Cloud computing is one of the most useful modern technological services available for consumers and businesses. It allows people to reduce physical data storage and hardware usage and improve data security. Here are four useful facts about using cloud services.
1. You Can Use Them Anywhere
Cloud computing is designed to provide the services you or your business needs without requiring you to install on-premise software or servers. Everything you need is stored in the cloud instead of on physical servers. This means a business based in Arizona could utilize the same cloud services Boston companies use. It also means that you can access any data or programs you need from anywhere, whether you’re working on-site or remotely.
2. You Don’t Need To Manage Upgrades
On-premise computing architecture requires you to constantly monitor and periodically update your IT hardware. With the cloud, you don’t need to worry about this. You should be able to access the cloud from any of your business’s devices and your cloud services provider will take care of software upgrades for you. If you need to upgrade hardware, your provider will tell you.
3. You Can Choose How Much Control You Have
Cloud computing employs a concept called the stack. A stack is a group of components, such as your tools and frameworks, that comprise your computing architecture. There are three basic types of stacks: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Each option gives its users a different level of control and amount of responsibility. With SaaS, the provider hosts the application and the customer purchases a subscription. PaaS customers can host their applications themselves. Customers that use IaaS have the most control, with the provider mainly managing backend responsibilities such as storage and server maintenance.
4. You Can Improve Your Business’s Scalability
Using cloud services allows you to improve the scalability and flexibility of your business and your computing systems. Because you don’t need to use or upgrade as much hardware, you can scale up both your available storage and other resources, such as applications, servers or security, more quickly and efficiently. You will also be able to scale your business down if you need to.
Cloud computing can benefit all types of business and personal needs, including data storage and computing infrastructure organization. Consumers and companies may use public, private or hybrid cloud services.