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Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of IT system resources, especially data storage (cloud storage) and computing power, without direct active management by the user. Large cloud companies often have functions distributed across multiple locations, each of which is a data center. Cloud computing relies on resource sharing to achieve accuracy and typically uses a pay-as-you-go model.

In short, cloud computing means renting IT components, instead of purchasing them.

How does cloud computing work?

Cloud computing service models are based on the concept of sharing on-demand computing resources, software, and information over the Internet. Companies or individuals pay to access a virtual pool of shared resources, including computing, storage, and network services, that reside on remote servers that are owned and managed by service providers.

 

One of the many advantages of cloud computing is that you only pay for what you use. This allows companies to scale more quickly and efficiently without having to purchase and maintain their own physical servers and data centers.

Simply put, cloud computing uses a network (most often the Internet) to connect users to a cloud platform where they request and access leased computing services. A central server handles all communication between devices and client servers to facilitate data exchange. Security and privacy are key components for cloud services.

There are three different cloud computing deployment models:

  • Public clouds are managed by third-party cloud service providers. They provide computing, storage, and networking resources over the Internet, allowing businesses to access shared resources based on their requirements and business goals.
  • Private clouds are built, managed and owned by a single organization and privately hosted in their own data centers, known as "on-premises" or "on-prem". They provide greater control, security and management of data while allowing internal users to benefit from a shared pool of compute, storage and network resources.
  • Hybrid clouds combine public and private cloud models, allowing companies to use public cloud services and maintain the security and compliance capabilities typically found in private cloud architectures.

Advantages of cloud computing:

  • It is flexible
  • It is efficient
  • It provides strategic value
  • It's sure

When a company chooses to "move to the cloud," it means that it’s IT infrastructure is stored off-site, in a data center, managed by the cloud computing provider. The main reason cited for cloud adoption is universal access to data and information.

Cloud computing helps businesses

Statistics say that at least 80% of companies report seeing improvements in their IT department with cloud adoption. This is due to the ease of use that the cloud offers. With options like API and telecom integration, it becomes much easier to operate an IT department.

Updates are easy to make

Using a cloud makes updates extremely easy. If the cloud provider deploys an update, they don't have to come to your company to install it. They can simply put the patch into action online and the company will receive the benefits wherever you are.

The cloud is the future

The cloud is not only used for simple data storage. The power of such technology is currently fueling all kinds of research projects, which are more and more innovative. Intel, for example, is looking at cloud technology's ability to decode brain waves to interact with software, to cure cancer, to model water resource management, and more.

Article published by Daniela Popa