What is Cloud?

Cloud infrastructure is a must have for real-time data access and scalable deployment of content, data, and services. Technological innovation is driving intense competition to stay on the cutting edge of the latest tools, and an organization’s ability to use those tools to their best advantage will heavily influence its chances of long-term survival.

This shift to the various types of cloud solutions is nothing new. It has been happening over the last decade and has had a tremendous impact on the evolution of data centers. Private data centers are becoming rare as companies move to solutions that facilitate hybrid and multi-cloud deployments.

What is "the cloud"?

You can think of the cloud as a remote data center. Cloud computing allows you to access a variety of services, such as data storage and software, online and pay the services you need as you need them. This can give your business the flexibility to grow and evolve without the need for significant additional IT investment.

What services are available through cloud computing?

Cloud computing generally falls into three categories.

• Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) remotely provides and manages the infrastructure, including computing power, storage, and networking, that enables cloud computing. Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Infrastructure
• Software as a service (SaaS) provides remote access to many different types of software, such as Dropbox, DocuSign, Slack, and MailChimp. Accessing software via the cloud avoids the need to spend time managing, installing, and upgrading your software.
• Platform as a service (PaaS) remotely provides a platform for software development. It can be particularly useful to allow access to multiple developers and for creating custom applications. Examples include AWS Lambda, Microsoft Azure, and Google App Engine.

What are the benefits of cloud computing?

The cloud offers numerous benefits for businesses of all kinds.

Cost Savings

With the cloud, you don’t have to invest in or maintain physical hardware. Your service provider will purchase and maintain the necessary equipment, which can dramatically reduce your capital expenses.

Reduced Downtime

Downtime is rare in cloud computing, so your staff won’t be wasting valuable time while your IT team works to fix downtime-related issues.

Security

Cloud service providers offer advanced security features that your business can manage remotely, enabling you to respond quickly and effectively to threats. It’s also easy to restore lost data from your machines when it’s securely backed up in the cloud.

Scalability

The cloud allows you to access the services you need when you need them on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Flexibility

Remote employees can access cloud services just as easily as employees on site, as long as they have an appropriate internet connection. It also makes it easy for employees to securely share documents across locations.

Competitive Advantage 

Because the cloud allows access to all the latest updates without needing to spend time and money on installations, you can always have the latest tools at your disposal.

The cloud is enabling businesses of all sizes and types to grow and streamline their processes with ease. Don’t be left behind! Cloud migration doesn’t have to be painful, and it could help you business run more smoothly and efficiently. A trusted and experienced IT partner can help you every step of the way.

LinkSource is dedicated to helping businesses take advantage of the latest technological advancements while getting the best possible value for their IT spend. For more information about important IT topics, browse our blog!