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Cloud Computing – Here’s what you need to know

Cloud computing is a general term for everything that involves delivering hosted services over the internet, such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence.

Thanks to broadband internet access and the availability of mobile devices, cloud computing is becoming a viable option for both small businesses and enterprises to manage their business.

And if you are over the fence, trying to decide whether or not cloud computing is worth it, then this blog might help you get a clear picture. 

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing services, including applications, data storage, and data processing, over the internet. You’ll usually pay for cloud computing services on a pay-as-you-go basis, so you pay only for the applications and cloud services you use.

What can you use it for?

Here are some of the most common cloud computing uses: 

Cloud storage:

Cloud services ensure your data is stored in an offsite cloud storage system, allowing easy access from any internet-connected location or device. Cloud storage allows you to share files securely and sync files across devices. Popular cloud storage services include Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Google Drive. 

Cloud backup:

Cloud backup services are failsafe solutions in case your company undergoes a server crash, cyber-attack, or other data loss. The best cloud backup services combine storage, data synchronization and restoration, real-time backups, archiving, and high-level security. Many cloud storage services also provide cloud backup functionality.

Cloud hosting:

Cloud hosting services facilitate multiple types of information sharing, including email services, application hosting, web-based phone systems, and data storage. A cloud hosting service can host your business website, manage databases, and house domain names. Because cloud hosting services are offsite, scaling to manage peak loads is effortless.

Types of cloud computing:

Not all clouds are the same, and not one type of cloud computing is right for everyone. Several different models, types, and services have evolved to help offer the right solution based on your requirements.

First, you need to determine the type of cloud deployment or cloud computing architecture, that your cloud services will be implemented. There are three different ways to deploy cloud services: on a public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud. 

Public cloud:

Public clouds are owned and operated by third-party cloud service providers, which deliver their computing resources like servers and storage over the Internet. Microsoft Azure is an example of a public cloud. With a public cloud, all hardware, software, and other supporting infrastructure is owned and managed by the cloud provider. You access these services and manage your account using a web browser.

Private cloud:

A private cloud refers to cloud computing resources used exclusively by a single business or organization. A private cloud can be physically located in the company’s on-site data center. Some companies also pay third-party service providers to host their private cloud. A private cloud is one in which the services and infrastructure are maintained on a private network. 

Hybrid cloud:

Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds, bound together by technology that allows data and applications to be shared between them. By allowing data and applications to move between private and public clouds, a hybrid cloud gives your business greater flexibility, and more deployment options and helps optimize your existing infrastructure, security and compliance. 

Key Takeaway:

Cloud computing is a big shift from the traditional way of IT. But it comes with a lot of benefits like better security, reliability, and scalability and it is cost-effective. However, it is crucial to pick the type that can cater to your unique business needs. 

Our experts at SMI have more than a decade of experience and can guide you through the maze and take your business to the next level with customized cloud solutions. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.

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