In our technologically advanced world, cloud computing has become an increasingly common term. However, understanding the full extent of cloud computing is hardly a walk in the park for most people. So, what exactly is cloud computing and how does it work?
What is Cloud Computing?
At its core, cloud computing is the delivery of different computing services, ranging from servers, storage, and databases to networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. But that is not it - these services are delivered over the internet, or more colloquially, "the cloud". This adaptation has made it possible for businesses to work smarter, allowing for faster innovation, flexible resources, and importantly, economies of scale. But why does it matter? To answer this question, we first need to understand how it functions.
How Does Cloud Computing Work?
The cloud is just a metaphor for the Internet. In the past, you had run applications or programs from software downloaded on a physical computer or server in your building. Cloud computing allows you to access the same kinds of applications through the Internet.
When you update your Facebook status, you are using cloud computing. Checking your bank balance on your phone? You are in the cloud again. Chances are you rely on cloud computing to solve the challenges faced by small businesses, whether you are firing off emails on the move or using a bunch of apps to help you manage your workload.
What Makes it Special?
- Speed and Efficiency: Services are provided self-service and on-demand, so even vast amounts of computing resources can be provisioned in minutes, typically with just a few mouse clicks, giving businesses a lot of flexibility and taking the pressure off capacity planning.
- Flexibility: Cloud computing allows employees to be more flexible in their work practices. For example, you can access data from home, on holiday, or via the commute to and from work (providing you have an internet connection).
- Economies of scale: The cloud offers businesses more storage space and at a cheaper cost.
Conclusion
Briefly, cloud computing represents a shift in the traditional way we think about IT resources. It is a simple concept with a significant impact. With the ability to adjust quickly to varying business needs, cloud computing is worth considering for startups and big companies alike.
Cloud computing is unequivocally the future, with its simple interface and efficient service delivery model. The question is, are you ready to join the cause? Or better yet, have you already?