Cloud Computing
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing essentially refers to the delivery of computing resources—such as servers, storage, databases, software, and applications—over the internet. Instead of depending on local infrastructure or physical hardware, cloud computing harnesses the power of large data centres spread across the globe. These data centres house servers and networking equipment that facilitate the seamless provisioning and management of resources.
Benefits of cloud computing
The benefits of cloud computing are:
- Scalability and flexibility:
One of the key benefits of cloud computing is its remarkable scalability. Businesses can easily adjust their resource allocation to meet fluctuations in demand, in turn ensuring optimal performance and cost efficiency.
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Cost efficiency:
By eliminating the need for significant upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure, cloud computing offers a cost-effective solution. Organisations can reduce their capital expenditures and shift to a predictable operational expenditure model, paying only for the resources they consume.
- Reliability:
Cloud computing services are underpinned by redundant infrastructure and robust architectures, incorporating multiple data centres and automated failover mechanisms. This ensures exceptional availability and strengthened disaster recovery capabilities provided by cloud providers. As a result, businesses experience minimal downtime, fortified business continuity, and heightened customer satisfaction.
- Collaboration:
Cloud computing fosters effortless collaboration and resource access regardless of geographical boundaries. Teams can collaborate in real-time, seamlessly sharing documents, data, and applications across various devices. This eliminates the need for isolated work silos and enables a mobile and flexible work environment, empowering remote workforces, boosting organisational productivity, and fostering innovation through collaborative efforts.
Use cases of cloud computing
The major use cases of cloud computing are:
IaaS :
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides businesses with the flexibility and scalability they need for their computing resources. Through IaaS, organisations can rapidly deploy virtual servers, storage, and networking capabilities tailored to their requirements. This frees them from the responsibilities of physical hardware management, enabling them to fully concentrate on their core competencies.
SaaS:
Software as a Service (SaaS) has transformed software delivery and usage for businesses. SaaS enables organisations to access and utilise their software applications hosted in the cloud through a web browser. This eliminates the need for software installations, updates, and maintenance on individual devices.
DaaS:
Desktop as a Service (DaaS) offers virtual desktop environments hosted in the cloud. Thanks to DaaS, teams can access their desktops, applications, and data from any device with an internet connection. This enables higher mobility, flexibility, and collaboration for businesses and individuals alike.
BaaS:
Backup as a Service (BaaS) provides businesses with secure and automated backup solutions in the cloud. With BaaS, organisations can offload the responsibility of data backups to cloud service providers, ensuring data protection and disaster recovery capabilities. BaaS eliminates the need for on-site backup infrastructure and simplifies the backup and restoration process.
