What is Cloud Computing- Types | Benefits | Services

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Introduction

Cloud computing is a popular term now that involves delivering hosted services via the internet. It provides IT resources on-demand and for a fee over the internet. Thus, you can pay to use a cloud service rather than purchasing and upkeep computer equipment and services. By doing it together, you can save time, money, and effort. Let's explore more about cloud infrastructure and computing in this blog including the types and benefits. 

What is Cloud Computing?

It is the delivery of computer services over the Internet ("the cloud") in simple terms. Cloud services may include servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. So, the users get faster growth, flexible resources, and scale economies.  Furthermore, you only pay for the cloud services that you use. So, it also helps you reduce operational expenses, and manage your infrastructure more effectively. Moreover, you may modify your requirements as your business requirements change.

Types of Cloud Computing

You can select any cloud deployment approach and cloud service model.  It also depends on the present IT investments, business needs, and set of goals.
 

1. Public cloud

Most of the time public clouds are run by third-party cloud service providers. They supply computing resources like servers and storage over the internet. The best cloud computing examples in this category include Microsoft Azure.  The cloud provider owns and manages all the hardware, software, and other supporting infrastructure. Thus you can get to these services and control your account, using a web browser.
 

2. Private Cloud

These Cloud resources are available to a single company or organisation only. So, a private cloud may be physically on the business's on-site data centre. Additionally, some businesses pay outside service providers to host their private clouds. So, in the private cloud, the infrastructure and services are set up on a private network.
 

3. Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds and connect by a system. This system enables the sharing of data and applications between them. Thus, a hybrid cloud gives more flexibility and deployment options to your company. It also improves your current infrastructure, security, and compliance by enabling  data and apps to flow between private and public clouds. 

Types of Cloud Services

Below is an overview of the most common types of cloud computing platforms:
 

1. IaaS

The simplest of all categories of cloud services is Infrastructure as a service (IaaS). Here, you pay for IT infrastructure including servers and virtual machines (VMs). You also get networks, storage, and operating systems from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis.
 

2. PaaS

Platform as a service (PaaS) is a cloud service that provides an on-demand environment. Thus, you can use this environment to develop, test, deliver, and manage software applications. 
 

3. SaaS

Software as a service (SaaS) is a way to provide software applications over the internet. These services are on demand and a subscription basis. Thus, SaaS allows cloud computing companies to host and manage the software application and underlying infrastructure. Additionally, they take care of any maintenance, including security patches and software upgrades. 
 

4. Serverless computing

Serverless computing overlaps with PaaS and focuses on developing app features. The cloud provider handles the setup, server management and capacity planning. Serverless architectures are very scalable and event-driven. Thus, they only need resources when an action or trigger takes place.

Benefits of Cloud Computing
 

1. A shorter time to market

Developers can speed up work with fast deployments using cloud services. This is because you can set up new instances or shut them down in a matter of seconds. Cloud computing also promotes fresh developments. Hence, you can test new concepts and create new applications without hardware limitations. Additionally, you don't have to wait through lengthy procurement procedures.
 

2. Cost savings

You only pay for the resources you use, despite the cloud service model you select. Hence, you don't overspend beyond your data centre's capacity. It also frees up your IT teams' time to focus on important tasks. 
 

3. Greater collaboration

With cloud storage, you can make data available whenever you need it, wherever you are. As long as a user's device has an internet connection, they can access data from anywhere in the globe. Thus they have no limits to a particular place or device.
 

4. Flexibility and scalability

Your business will have more freedom owing to Cloud computing services. So, you may grow resources and storage to match business demands. Additionally, you can avoid spending money on physical infrastructure. The infrastructure essential to sustain businesses' maximum load levels doesn't need to be paid for or built by businesses.
 

5. Better security

These security features, automatic maintenance, and centralised management of the cloud can increase your security. Trusted cloud providers also work with the best security professionals. They use cutting-edge techniques to ensure stronger security.
 

6. Preventing data loss

Backup and disaster recovery tools are also available from cloud providers. So, you can avoid data loss in the event of an emergency, such as hardware failure. It will prevent you from malicious attacks, or even a simple user error, by storing data in the cloud rather than locally. 

Limitations of Cloud Services

Some of the common disadvantages of cloud infrastructure are:
 

• Less control over the underlying cloud infrastructure
• Concerns about security issues such as data privacy and internet threats System integration difficulty
• Risk of vendor lock-in
• Unexpected costs and expenses

However, you can reduce the majority of these issues by carefully assessing cloud service providers and their service models. There may be a lack of information regarding what providers offer, price structures, and security measures. But, it is the responsibility of the customer to know and avoid these problems when moving to the cloud. Furthermore, using an open cloud platform might allow you more freedom and flexibility. You can develop and run where you need while effortlessly integrating with the services you desire.

Conclusion

Businesses are replacing their initial expenses and ongoing maintenance of physical servers and on-premises infrastructure. This is possible with Cloud computing and its scalable, adaptable, and on-demand computing resources.  The cloud offers more flexibility and security, better performance and efficiency, and lowers IT expenditures. Additionally, it boosts innovation, allowing businesses to cut down on time to market. The main advantages include support to remote workers, more productivity, and operational effectiveness.