An ideal way to deliver enterprise applications, extend your company’s infrastructure or launch new innovations is cloud computing. Businesses can choose when, where, and how cloud computing is used for their business to ensure an efficient and reliable IT solution.
Before you embark on your journey to the cloud, read this comprehensive guide to fully understand how cloud computing works. Read on to brush up on what cloud computing entails and the different types of services and deployment models, while learning how to go about migrating your business into the cloud.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is the delivery of various services via the Internet. These resources include applications and tools such as networking and software, servers, data storage, and databases.
The name “cloud computing” came from the fact that users are able to access information that is remotely stored in a virtual space that looks like a cloud. Companies that provide the services enable users to store files or applications on remote servers, accessing all their data via the Internet. This allows a user to work remotely, gaining access to their data no matter their location.
Alternative to keeping files on a proprietary hard drive or local storage device, cloud-based storage gives users the opportunity to access their remote to database or software programs with more flexibility.
Why is cloud computing so important?
There are a number of reasons why cloud computing is a popular option for both people and businesses. The main appeal is to reduce the time to market of the applications that need a dynamic scale.
Because of its abundance of advanced services that can be used along with other applications, developers are increasingly drawn to the cloud. These include the Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and machine learning. In addition, moving to the cloud may reduce the cost of managing and maintaining IT systems as you are not purchasing expensive equipment for your business.
There is also the benefit of working on projects across different locations, giving your employees, contractors and third parties access to collaboration when working remotely. Choosing the right cloud computing model, such as UmbrellarConnect cloud reseller program can also open up opportunities for sharing records with advisers in a quick and secure way. This can help minimise any possible risk, even when sharing accounting records with your accountant or financial adviser.
Cloud computing services?
1. Software-as-a-Service (SAAS)
SAAS is a combination of both PAAF and IAAS, acting a cloud service solution providing the complete software suite as a pay-per-use model. This offers users easy access to software applications over the Internet.
Google G Suite, Microsoft Office 360,Oracle CRM, Soho, Salesforce, Pardoe marketing automation, and FAP business by design are the most common examples of SAAS.
2. Platform-as-a-Service (PAAF)
PAAS removes the need for organisations to manage the underlying infrastructure, allowing you to focus on the deployment and management of applications. This service will increase efficiency without the need for resource procurement when running your application.
Examples of PAAF companies are blue mix, cloud bees, salesforce.com, Google app engine, a Roku, AWS, Microsoft, and Oracle cloud.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IAAS)
IAAS is the most advanced and flexible cloud solution, being the foundation of the cloud computing pyramid,
Providing a completely virtualized computing infrastructure, IAAS is provisioned and managed over the Internet. Examples of IAAF are Microsoft, Amazon Web services, and Cisco.
What are other types of cloud deployment models?
1. Public cloud
Owned and managed by a third-party cloud service provider, a public cloud has one main characteristic: you share it with other users or companies. In an open computing environment, anyone from anywhere can buy a section of storage in a public cloud. The services are instantly accessible providing adaptability for your changing needs.
2. Private cloud
A private cloud is exclusive for your single business or organization. This means your organization will own the entire cloud, and the infrastructure and services function will act as a private network.
3. Hybrid cloud
Incorporating the best of both worlds, a hybrid cloud can remain a separate entity. This cloud category is best for security, flexibility and scalability. It is ideal for an organization that secures its data using a private cloud, whilst also interacting with its customers using a public cloud.
How do I get started on cloud computing?
1. Set your objective
Before you start, understand what using a cloud means to you. It’s important to choose a type of cloud deployment that suits your objective.
2. Evaluate your application
Take the time to create an inventory of all your applications. It will allow you to evaluate your applications and identify which ones fit the cloud.
3. Select an application
After evaluating your application, to test out the cloud, make a decision that is significant enough to demonstrate the benefits of the cloud without putting your business at risk if you were to experience any difficulties.
4. Plan the migration
After understanding the business case, aim for moving that application. Moreover, the plan for evaluating the migration benefits.
5. Migrate the application
Now it’s time to execute the application’s transition into the cloud. Give yourself enough time after the migration is complete to evaluate the impact on performance, cost and end-users.
6. Consult an expert
A cloud consultant will have the technical know-how to develop a cloud platform from the ground up with your business goal in mind.
Conclusion
To establish a successful cloud platform for your business, it is vital to do your research and expand your knowledge beyond the basics. Follow this simple guide to successfully migrate your business to the cloud.
