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Friday, November 08, 2024 10:30
Written by Sandra Guijarro
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The Internet has put the entire world at our fingertips. Access to any information is available to anyone with a single gesture . Storing that information is another story.
Until recently, the only solution for storing data was physical formats, from CDs to pendrives or external hard drives. This process has been greatly facilitated by cloud computing technology , which allows data to be stored without having to worry about the availability of physical devices.
Table of Contents
What is Cloud Computing
What is Cloud Computing for?
Types of Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing Services
Advantages of Cloud Computing
How to learn Cloud Computing
What is Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the English term used to refer to cloud computing, also known as cloud services, cloud concepts or simply “the cloud”. These are those programs and services hosted on a server that can be accessed from a web browser, on any electronic device connected to the Internet . Email or applications such as Google Drive are examples of cloud computing.
It began to be used during the first decade of the 21st century, when large companies such as Google, Amazon or Microsoft began to offer their services through the web. However, the term would not really become popular until the appearance of Apple's iCloud service in 2011 , which would allow sharing files between iOS devices without the need for physical devices. Since then, the ease and convenience of cloud storage has only increased its popularity and made other large corporations, such as Microsoft, with Azure, interested in developing applications and services in the cloud.
Laptop with cloud computing application, Microsoft Azure
What is Cloud Computing for?
Cloud computing allows data to be stored, managed and processed remotely through servers on the Internet instead of depending on a local computer or server.
This technology facilitates access to data and applications from any device with an Internet connection, eliminating the need for expensive physical infrastructure and simplifying maintenance and software updates. Companies can thus optimize resources, since they pay only for the services and storage they actually use, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective management.
Additionally, cloud computing is essential for boosting collaboration and productivity in modern work environments. Teams can access tools and documents in real time, which is key for companies with geographically distributed employees or those working remotely.
It also facilitates the use of advanced applications, such as artificial intelligence and data analysis, allowing companies of all sizes to integrate technological innovations and gain competitiveness without complex and expensive infrastructure.
There are mainly three types of cloud computing that organizations can choose based on their needs: public cloud, private cloud and hybrid cloud.
Public Cloud : In this model, services and infrastructure are managed by a third-party provider and hosted on their servers. Public cloud resources are shared among multiple customers, which allows for lower costs since you only pay for what you use. It is an ideal option for companies looking for scalability and flexibility at an affordable cost, with examples including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
Private Cloud : Unlike the public cloud, the private cloud is used exclusively by one organization. qatar cell phone number This allows for greater control over data and security settings. Private clouds are typically hosted on the company's own premises or in a dedicated data center managed by a provider. They are ideal for organizations that handle sensitive data and seek to maintain high standards of security and privacy.
Hybrid Cloud : Hybrid cloud combines public and private cloud, allowing businesses to leverage the benefits of both. For example, a business can host its critical data in a private cloud for security purposes, while using a public cloud for less sensitive applications. This model provides flexibility, allowing workloads to be moved between public and private environments as needs change.
Each type of cloud computing has characteristics that make it suitable for different types of businesses and requirements, depending on factors such as security, data management and costs.
Cloud Computing Services
Businesses can choose from several types of cloud computing services, each designed to meet specific needs based on the type of work, scalability and flexibility.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) : This model provides businesses with basic IT infrastructure such as servers, storage, and networking, which are managed by a third-party cloud provider. Businesses can rent these resources instead of purchasing and maintaining them on-premises, which reduces costs and simplifies management. IaaS is ideal for businesses that require scalable infrastructure without the investment in physical hardware. Examples of IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Compute Engine.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - PaaS provides a development platform where developers can build, test, and deploy applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. It includes development tools, databases, and operating systems all in a single environment that facilitates collaborative work and agility in development projects. This model is ideal for companies that need to develop software quickly without worrying about server or database configuration. Examples include Google App Engine and Microsoft Azure.
Software as a Service (SaaS) : This model allows businesses to access cloud-hosted software applications that can be used directly from a browser without installation. SaaS is suitable for commonly used applications such as productivity tools, customer relationship management (CRM), or accounting. Popular examples of SaaS include Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office 365. This model allows users to access applications from any internet-connected device, simplifying access and collaboration.
Function as a Service (FaaS) or Serverless Computing : FaaS allows businesses to run specific applications and processes without directly managing servers. In this model, developers simply upload functions (code) that are executed in response to events. This is useful for tasks that require large-scale processing at specific times, as you are billed solely for usage, allowing for cost savings. Amazon Lambda and Google Cloud Functions are examples of FaaS services.