What is the Cloud?
You may have come across people talking about ‘cloud’ storage and software that runs in ‘the cloud’.
But what exactly is ‘the cloud’, and why should you care about it?
A place for networking
The cloud is a bunch of servers that are connected to each other over the internet.
Tech firms like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon run huge networks of servers that let their customers (us) log in using different devices.
Can you imagine a situation where all your photos from the last 10 years were only held on your phone, and not stored safely elsewhere? How many memories would you lose if your phone went missing?
The high freedom, convenience, and security offered by the cloud has seen a huge shift to cloud computing over the last few years.
It’s powerful stuff
Cloud infrastructure allows you to run apps and access data across multiple devices without needing to have everything installed on your devices.
This opens opportunities for businesses to offload computing and storage resources to cloud service providers, gaining the flexibility to easily boost or reduce resources as their needs change.
A real perk of running software in the cloud is that it means highly sophisticated applications can run from your computer or phone, with the cloud doing all the heavy lifting. This can significantly reduce the amount you need to spend on your devices and how often they need to be replaced.
The cloud is also a collaborative place to be. Tools like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace make it super easy to share documents and work as a team. You can even work together in real-time and give each other instant feedback as you go.
Ignore its fluffy reputation: The cloud’s a tough cookie
When set up and managed correctly, the cloud is the safest place to keep your data.
Let’s be honest, which is more likely: Colin leaving his laptop in a bar again? Or the might of an Amazon or a Google getting hacked?
If Colin loses that laptop, he’ll get a slap on the wrist. If Google got hacked it would cost them millions and millions of dollars and cause irreparable damage to their reputation.
Different types of cloud
There are three main types of cloud.
Private cloud
The private cloud is a network of servers that are dedicated to supporting a single business. The hardware is solely dedicated to this business, and they allow organizations like the CIA and banks to have full control over every aspect of their cloud environment.
Public cloud
The public cloud refers to networks of servers that are wholly controlled by cloud service providers. Clients share resources with other people. The public cloud costs less than setting up a private cloud, and there is far less maintenance and an extremely high level of reliability.
Hybrid cloud
Some firms like to mix and match private and public clouds for different needs. Hybrid cloud setups let businesses quickly move between the two as their needs change.
We’ll help you to make sense of it all.
When embracing the cloud, it’s best to have an experienced hand guide you to the right solutions.
Working with the right IT support partner early will help make sure that you head in the right direction. And make the most of the opportunities that cloud computing offers.
