There are some concepts in our world that we take for granted and don’t think twice about because we can’t see them. Cloud Services is one of them.
What exactly is the cloud?
The Cloud – also known as “cloud computing” refers to software and servers that are accessed over the internet. Cloud services are designed to provide easy, scalable access to applications, resources and services that are all fully managed by a cloud services provider.
Examples of cloud computing include: Online services to send email, edit documents, watch films, listen to music, play games, store pictures or other files, and analyze data. Cloud computing makes this all possible!
What does the cloud allow users to do?
Like mentioned above, the cloud enables users to access the same files and applications from almost any device, because the computing and storage takes place on the servers in a data center, instead of locally on the user device.
An example that may resonate with you:
The cloud allows a user to log into their social media account like Instagram on a new phone after their old one breaks and still find their old account in place with all of the photos, videos and conversation history. This also goes for email accounts like Gmail and Microsoft Office 365.
Why would a company switch to cloud computing services?
- Cloud services can remove some overheard costs such as no longer needing to maintain their own servers. A small business can easily outsource their infrastructure needs affordably via the cloud.
- The cloud also makes it easier for companies to operate remotely because employees and customers can access the same files and applications from any location.
- Cloud computing makes data backup, disaster recovery and business continuity easier and less expensive because data can be mirrored at multiple redundant sites on the cloud provider’s network.
What keeps the cloud safe & secure?
Many cloud providers offer a broad set of policies, technologies and controls that strengthen your security posture overall, helping to protect your data, apps and infrastructure from potential threats.
Different types of cloud computing
There isn’t a one size fits all when it comes to the cloud. It is important to determine what type of cloud deployment, or cloud computing architecture that the cloud services will be implemented on. There are three different ways to deploy cloud services: public cloud, private cloud or hybrid cloud. Let’s break each of them down:
Public Cloud
A cloud that is owned & operated by a vendor who delivers computing resources such as servers and storage over the internet. All hardware, software and other supporting infrastructure are owned and managed by the cloud provider. This allows users to access these services and manage their account using a web browser. Microsoft Azure is an example of a public cloud.
Private Cloud
A cloud that is a server, data center, or distributed network dedicated exclusively to one organization. This cloud can be physically located on the company’s on-site data center or have a third-party service provider host their private cloud. The cloud provider is responsible for managing and maintaining the cloud. Any access or changes goes through the provider.
Hybrid Cloud
A combination of on-premise hardware and on-cloud applications. A hybrid cloud gives businesses more deployment options and helps optimize existing infrastructure, security, and compliance.
Moving to the cloud is not always a straightforward answer and requires your IT Partner to meet with you and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Contact Yardstick to set up an appointment so we can take the time to get to know your business and provide you with a solution.
