What is the cloud and why migrate to it?
Gives a very fundamental yet concrete idea as to how exactly cloud technologies have been currently shaping the World of Tech.
While most of us have created those fun little one-pager portfolio websites, surfed and played around the web with codes, and even designed complex web apps, mobo-apps, etc. as long-term projects, deployment to the cloud might have taken the backseat sometimes, especially those involving student budgets!
Everybody’s talking about the cloud today. Granted, not everyone has a clear picture of what cloud computing is and what it does, but that doesn’t stop the topic from being discussed by professionals and anyone else who is acquainted with the internet.
So, what exactly is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the process of delivering on-demand IT services, including analytics, databases, networking, servers, and storage via the internet. These virtual services provide faster innovation, ease of scalability, and greater resource flexibility.
Most cloud models require you to pay only for the resources you use, making it a cost-effective method of incorporating IT into your business without investing in an in-house data center.
Cloud technologies include virtual services such as software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS), to name a few.
Here's why most companies are and should be migrating (simply put, uploading)their websites and applications to the cloud.
Top Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cost savings: One of the main benefits of cloud computing is that it can help reduce costs. For example, businesses no longer need to invest in expensive on-premises hardware and software. Instead, they can access cloud-based applications and services on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Scalability: Cloud computing is highly scalable. This means that businesses can quickly scale up or down their usage of cloud-based resources as their needs change.
Flexibility: Another benefit of cloud computing is that it offers greater flexibility than traditional on-premises IT infrastructure. For example, businesses can quickly provision new resources as they need them and can also easily release them when they no longer need them.
Agility: Cloud computing can help businesses achieve greater agility. This means that they can be more responsive to changes in market conditions and can quickly roll out new applications and services.
Improved security: Cloud computing can offer improved security compared to traditional on-premises IT infrastructure. This is because cloud providers have expertise in security and can offer a variety of security features, such as data encryption and intrusion detection.
Enhanced collaboration: Cloud computing can help improve collaboration among employees. For example, they can share files and documents more easily and can access applications and services from anywhere.
Increased productivity: Cloud computing can help employees be more productive. For example, they can access cloud-based applications and services from anywhere and can use them on any device.
Disaster recovery: Cloud computing can help businesses recover from disasters more quickly. This is because they can use cloud-based backup and disaster recovery services.
Environmental benefits: Cloud computing can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint. This is because cloud providers use energy-efficient data centers and use renewable energy to power their operations.
Improved customer experience: Cloud computing can help businesses improve the customer experience. This is because they can use cloud-based applications and services to provide a better understanding to customers.
Cloud Computing Services
Cloud computing services can be divided into three main categories:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS providers offer customers the ability to rent IT infrastructure on an as-needed basis. IaaS includes all the basic building blocks of cloud computing, such as storage, networking, and servers. Popular IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS providers offer customers the ability to develop, run, and manage applications on a cloud-based platform. PaaS includes everything that is needed to build and run an application, such as a web server, database, and development tools. Popular PaaS providers include Heroku, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, and Google App Engine.
Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS providers offer customers the ability to use a cloud-based software application. SaaS applications are usually delivered through a web browser, and customers do not need to install or manage the software. Popular SaaS applications include Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365, and Salesforce.
Traditionally companies would have two options when migrating to the cloud environment - private or public cloud. But today, companies have the option to experiment with a hybrid cloud which is a combination of private and public clouds. Data that needs to be delivered to users quickly and is frequently accessed can be stored in public clouds whereas critical company information can be stored in private clouds using proprietary applications. The usage of multiple services from different vendors can make things complex. A hybrid cloud setup will help in simplifying the complex nature and streamline the user experience.
That's all for this introductory story. Since a handful of cloud service providers have already been quite a talk these days, myself, being a 5* Azure certified, 2* AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, would specifically use AWS and Azure to explain the various services hereon. Stay tuned for the next blog and Happy Learning!!