The cloud is expanding as a viable business infrastructure option. As the cloud becomes more accessible and affordable, it’s becoming an attractive option for companies of all sizes.
Cloud computing has been around for years, but when the pandemic hit and many businesses were forced into remote working, it became the new norm. Cloud services infrastructure spending grew 35% between 2020 and 2021 as many businesses made the migration.
Choosing the right cloud service for your business isn’t always straightforward. Understand the differences will help you make an informed decision about which type of cloud is best for your business.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over a network, with the use of remote facilities rather than having everything in-house. The service is delivered over the internet with use of remote facilities rather than having everything in-house. This allows for greater practicality and flexibility for users, as well as economies of scale.
Benefits of cloud computing:
Increased flexibility and scalability: Cloud computing services enable businesses to scale their operations quickly and easily, which is essential in a volatile and rapidly changing market like tech. Through a cloud-based system, you can add or remove resources as required without having to expand your physical infrastructure.
Reduced operational costs: Cloud computing is often cheaper than on-premise solutions. This could result in reduced hardware maintenance costs, lower electricity bills, and reduced facility operating costs.
Increased cybersecurity: As a company’s data is stored in a remote location, it becomes less vulnerable to cybercriminals to access. All of your data is protected by robust encryption, and it’s protected from physical damage, like fires or flood.
Ease of access: With your business data stored in the cloud, you can access any information you need from any location with an internet connection.
Types of cloud infrastructure
Public cloud
A public cloud delivers services over the internet, which can be accessed by different customers using different tools. This makes it easy to get a lot of people using the same cloud but harder to maintain the control required to make it reliable and secure. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform are commonly used to provide public cloud services.
Private cloud
Private cloud refers to the use of a company’s own servers and data centres for hosting their applications and data. Private clouds are usually used by enterprise-level companies because it gives them more control over their infrastructure, security, and compliance.
Private cloud is usually operated by a cloud provider, but is only accessible by the business that uses it. This type of cloud is popular for businesses that want to keep their data secure and confidential.
Hybrid cloud
A hybrid cloud is a mix of private and public cloud. It can be accessed using public cloud tools, which makes it convenient and easy to use, but it can also be accessed using a private network. This private network can be used to ensure security, or it can be used to guarantee that the data being accessed is confidential. Hybrid clouds are popular for companies that want to use both types of cloud. They can make use of the advantages of both types of cloud, so they can save time and money by avoiding having to switch between different cloud tools.
Types of cloud service models
PaaS
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is an application that is used to develop, deploy and host software applications over the internet. This type of technology helps businesses in reducing their costs by using the same infrastructure for all their projects.
Benefits of PaaS:
- Reduces complexity and increases agility for developers.
- Allows for faster deployment of new features.
- Increases reliability by reducing the number of points of failure.
SaaS
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a software subscription model that provides access to the software and its features for a set period of time. This means that you do not have to buy expensive licenses and pay for maintenance, installation, upgrades, or hosting.
Benefits of SaaS:
- The user doesn’t need to buy or install any software.
- It is easy for them to upgrade or downgrade their subscription.
- The service can be accessed from anywhere with internet connection.
IaaS
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) is a type of cloud computing, where the cloud provider provides virtualized hardware that customers can use to store and process their data. The providers offer virtual servers in different sizes and with different specifications. Customers can choose to rent these servers for a short period of time or purchase them for long-term use.
Benefits of IaaS:
- Can be scaled up or down depending on the current needs
- New applications can be deployed in a very short time.
- Easier to manage than traditional IT infrastructures.
DaaS
Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) is a cloud-based service that provides the user with the ability to access a virtual desktop from any device. It offers the advantages of both SaaS and desktop computing. DaaS can be used for any type of business, but it is most commonly used by knowledge workers for access to programs such as Microsoft 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud.
Benefits of DaaS:
- Access your desktop from anywhere and at any time.
- Migrating to other platforms is much easier.
- More secure than running your own systems in-house.
- Highly personalized and customizable based on your needs.
Choosing the right cloud infrastructure
Cloud computing is the future of business IT. Cloud infrastructure is a great way for businesses to save money and time. It provides a cost-effective way to store, manage, and process data. There are many options to choose from when it comes to cloud infrastructure.
The cloud specialists at Technology Solutions can help you find the cloud solutions your business needs to thrive and keep up with the digital age.
Hello there! When it comes to cloud infrastructure, there are many options to choose the right cloud solution for businesses. As you mentioned in the blog, cloud infrastructure is a cost-effective way to save money and time. The blog will help new businesses to know about cloud computing.
Hybrid cloud is the way to go, at least for now. Every company should at least give this a try and see how it goes. It should go well and increase productivity, efficiency and reduce headaches for employees and IT staff.