What is Cloud computing? A short introduction

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of hosted services to your organization through a network connection. Put simply, it is the off-site storage and retrieval of data or software over the internet.

Cloud computing can be categorized into three general types: Public, Private, and Hybrid.
●    Public cloud is delivered via the internet and shared across organizations.
●    Private cloud is dedicated solely to your organization.
●    Hybrid cloud is an environment that uses both public and private clouds.

What types of cloud computing services are available?

Cloud computing is a service provided to customers over the internet for everything from storing data, running applications and websites, to hosting servers. With cloud computing, businesses can save on hardware costs by utilizing off-site storage of their data and software. Many services are available with cloud computing:

1. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) – provides a fully functional computer that is made up of your own operating system and storage/memory. The only thing you need to provide is an internet connection. You can choose your preferred operating system and even install applications that you need for your business.

2. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) – provides a platform that allows the development of applications or projects through software or hardware tools. It is often used by developers who are trying to create new applications for their businesses.

3. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) – SaaS is also known as “on-demand software” and it is used by companies that want to make their services available over the internet without having to install them locally in their own computers or networks.

4. Function as a Service (FaaS) - a category of cloud computing providing a platform that enables customers to develop, run, and manage application functions without the complexity of building and maintaining the infrastructure normally associated with developing and launching an application.

 

Advantages and disadvantages?

Cloud computing offers a lot of advantages over traditional methods of using software and storing data, but there are also potential security issues to consider when weighing whether or not to use it.

Advantages:

●    Saves money by reducing IT costs; no need to buy, install or upgrade software or hardware. Since Cloud computing is so cost-effective, it can make sense for companies of all sizes to benefit from using it.
●    Accommodates an increase in storage needs without having to buy extra equipment. There is no need for personal storage capacity on your own PC.
●    Makes it possible to work and access data from anywhere with an internet connection.
●    Backs up data automatically so you don't have to worry about losing important information if something happens to your personal computer.

Disadvantages:

●    Information access problems – if and when the cloud goes down, you cannot access your information until the system is back up again, making it especially difficult in case of emergency
●    Risk of data loss – in the case of an outage or security breach at the provider site, information can be lost. For this region, choosing the right provider is paramount. 
●    Lack of control over data stored in the cloud – you don't always know who has access to your data.
●    Security issues – the servers where you store your data may not be as secure as you think.