What is cloud computing? How to use cloud infrastructure to your advantage?

The modern business landscape is evolving at a rapid pace. Hence, a modern workplace extensively uses different types of software solutions and services that can enable them to simplify their operations. One of the technologies used these days is cloud computing. A company can leverage cloud migration solutions to move all of its digital information and assets like applications, data, and work files to a cloud infrastructure. This process makes it possible for the business firm to obtain several key benefits that they cannot have while working with legacy systems. 

If you are looking to migrate to a cloud infrastructure, you can choose to use any particular cloud software. By consulting with one of the top custom software development companies, you can get a cloud tool made for your specific needs. However, before you do that, you must develop a comprehensive idea of cloud systems.  

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing or the cloud works as digital storage facilities or large data centers that often work regardless of territorial barriers. Unlike traditional computing and storage where data is stored within the hard drive or the SSD of the machine, the data stored in the cloud is not within a single mechanical device. Hence, cloud data can be accessed by people connected to the internet and who have the proper clearance for it.  Practically any kind of data or application that you can have in the server or a computing machine can be stored in the cloud. 

A significant benefit of using cloud systems created by custom application development services is that people from anywhere in the world can have access to the files in the cloud. This is why OTT platforms like Netflix and also big data companies make use of these cloud computing systems.

Different types of cloud systems

Public cloud

In a public cloud, the cloud service provider is responsible for running the cloud platform and managing its services. The services offered in this way can be either free or available through a pay-per-use model. It is the most widely used cloud system and it offers a wide range of benefits like affordability, simplicity, flexibility, and scalability. Common examples of public cloud are Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services.

Private cloud

A private cloud is a type of cloud platform wherein the cloud resources and facilities can be accessed and utilized by only a single organization. It is an option often chosen by financial companies by banks and government agencies that must have complete control over the cloud system and should also be able to customize it. The private cloud systems are typically located in onsite data centers or remote data centers. Common examples of private cloud providers are Dell, Oracle, Google, and AWS. 

Hybrid cloud

The hybrid cloud system blends the best of public cloud systems and private cloud systems and exchanges data to and fro. This option is often chosen by companies that must have a private cloud working for them but still would prefer to access public cloud systems. They are comparatively more complex than standard public cloud and private cloud systems and may require some onsite hardware systems. They are also costlier than the other systems.   

Multicloud

Multicloud involves the use of several cloud services within one single environment. A company can choose to have public and private cloud systems deployed within the same working center or avail services offered by multiple service providers.

Benefits of using cloud services

Check out the benefits of using a cloud service.

• Cloud computing ensures enhanced flexibility, scalability, and proficiency for business owners so that they can have access to any data, resources, or applications as and when they need it. Cloud space can be easily increased or decreased according to changing needs of the company. 
• Cloud computing is much more cost-effective compared to legacy systems. 
• This method of using storage and applications can enhance the operational efficiency of the business. 
• Cloud computing systems are far more agile and reliable than traditional computing systems.   

Cloud Service Models

A company that excels in custom software application development can provide you with mainly three types of cloud computing models to choose from. These are SaaS, IaaS and PaaS. Let’s have a closer look at them.

SaaS

SaaS is Software as a Service and it is a software application provided over an internet connection. Some examples of Software as a Service are Salesforce, Dropbox, and G Suite apps.

IaaS

IaaS or Infrastructure as a Service is a platform that provides infrastructure within the cloud. The cloud services provider is the owner of the cloud hardware and takes care of it. This means you do not need to manage its technical aspects. Examples of Infrastructure as a Service are Google Cloud Platform, AWS, and Microsoft Azure.

PaaS

“Platform as a Service” or PaaS is used by developers for creating software applications. PaaS presents ground on which developers can experiment, create, customize and implement various applications. While doing so, they do not have to bother about operating systems, storage, or infrastructural components. Some examples of Platform as a Service are Google App Engine and AWS Elastic Beanstalk.

Once it is decided that you are going to make use of a cloud system, you can consult with the best custom software development company to help you out.