You’ve probably heard of “cloud computing” or “saving files to the cloud,” but what does all of that actually mean?
In this article, we’ll explain the basics of cloud computing and how migrating to the cloud can benefit your organization.
How Cloud Computing Works
To start, it helps to understand what “the cloud” means.
For years, the word “cloud” has been used as a metaphor for the internet. It’s basically a virtual space that connects users across the globe through online networks.
To continue with this metaphor, cloud computing is simply the sharing of information across these networks. If you upload a file to the cloud and share it with someone who lives in another country, that person can access the file from their own device by connecting to the cloud.
Different Types of Cloud Computing
- Software as a Service (SaaS) allows users to connect to cloud-based applications over the Internet. Examples include Microsoft Office 365, Google Apps, Dropbox, and Slack.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides a platform that can be used to create software and customized applications. Examples include Microsoft Azure, AWS Lambda, and Google App Engine.
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) delivers cloud computing infrastructure through virtualization technology. This includes servers, networks, operating systems, and storage.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
One of the greatest benefits of cloud computing is the ability to store data in the cloud.
Gone are the days of collecting dozens of hard drives and sending countless emails to coworkers with large attachments.
Now, you can access your data from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. Simply upload your files to a cloud server, and then share that server with everyone in the company. This allows your employees to access the information they need, even if they aren’t sitting at their computers at the office.
Cloud Security Basics
If anyone in the world can access information stored in the cloud, then you’re probably also wondering how to keep this information secure.
By working with a cloud service provider, you can set specific rules for your server to make it more difficult to access.
You can also create privileged access for your data so that each employee can only access the information that’s relevant to their job.
Final Thoughts
The cloud doesn’t have to be confusing. And with so many companies taking advantage of all that the cloud has to offer, making the switch is a no-brainer.
Are you ready to switch to the cloud but don’t know where to start?
We can help you find the right cloud service provider for your organization.
