Cloud Computing

Suppose you develop an innovative idea for a software application. To implement it and be successful, you need servers, storage space, development, dedicated network and application security.

Providing all this support can be expensive, time-consuming and risky.
All of these problems can be easily solved with the help of the cloud.

But what exactly is a cloud? Cloud or cloud computing is the provision of computer services such as servers, storage space, databases and networks over the internet.
It is a new way of working and managing data that allows you to access your data and applications from anywhere.

Without the cloud, companies are reliant on on-premise solutions.

They have significant challenges and limitations such as

• Hardware limitations and higher operating costs;
• Dependence on the physical capacity and location of resources;
• Downtime, data loss, compatibility and compliance;
• Impairment of the quality and reliability of services and products;

With the help of cloud computing, companies can benefit from the following advantages

• Lower IT costs;
• Centralised data security;
• Scalability;
• Flexibility;
• Automated updates;
• Rapid deployment;
• Instant business insights and continuity;
• Collaboration and communication;
• Increased performance and availability;

Cloud providers offer different types of provision and services.

Cloud service models:

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): e.g. Slaesforce, Slack;
• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): e.g. Microsoft Azure;
• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): e.g. Google Compute Engine, OpenStack;
• Function-as-a-Service (FaaS): e.g. Google Cloud Functions;

Cloud deployment models:

• Private cloud: In the private cloud, services such as servers, data centre or distributed network are completely reserved for one company.
• Public cloud: In this deployment, cloud services are shared by several organisations.
• Hybrid cloud: In hybrid cloud deployments, public and private clouds are combined.
• Multi cloud: This is a type of cloud deployment in which several public clouds are used.

The best-known providers of cloud computing are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. However, the cloud comes in various forms and technologies:

• Online storage: Microsoft OneDrive, iCloud;
• E-mail: iCloud Mail;
• Smart watches / fitness trackers: Apple Watch, Fitbit;
• Streaming platforms: YouTube, Netflix;
• Online word processing: Google Doc;

Although cloud computing can have many benefits for businesses and development teams, it can also present some issues and challenges that organisations should be aware of in order to achieve the best outcome.

Most cloud-based programmes cannot be used if there is no internet connection. Companies need to invest in higher bandwidth options and focus on improving operational efficiency to minimise reliance on network capacity.

As the cloud infrastructure is built, maintained and managed entirely by third parties in remote locations, end users have less control over the function and execution of the services. So before deciding on a cloud provider, you need to ask yourself: What data does the cloud service process? What functions does the cloud service offer? What does the contractual relationship look like?

Not all cloud solutions are equally secure. This is especially important when it comes to off-site storage of important or private data. Before entrusting critical aspects of your IT or data to third parties, it is important to apply some security guidelines, such as configuring network hardware and installing the latest software updates to close potential security gaps.

The effectiveness of cloud solutions depends heavily on providers offering their customers appropriate services. For example, a sudden outage of a cloud provider can have a significant impact on the business. Organisations need to select providers that implement proactive SaaS monitoring standards in real time.

Organisations need experts to manage infrastructure effectively. Companies need to hire professionals who specialise in DevOps and cloud engineering as workloads continue to increase and the market experiences a surge in the adoption of new tools.

The scarcity and unreliability of individual services is a major challenge for cloud computing. Therefore, organisations must seek additional resources to meet evolving business needs and be assured of the reliability and availability of the cloud provider.

Cloud providers offer a subscription model where you pay for the services you use. However, these costs can accumulate over time. It is better for companies to check their systems regularly and use tools to monitor resource utilisation.