Cloud Computing for Business: An Introduction

Cloud providers specialize in offering online assets such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and intelligence. Because these resources are made available through the Internet (a.k.a. the cloud), the process is known as cloud computing. There are  many reasons businesses leverage cloud computing companies. It saves money, as the cost of purchasing the necessary infrastructure (hardware, software, servers, etc.) is eliminated. Subscribing to a cloud provider also saves time because digital services are available on-demand through a network.

3 major types of cloud computing

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS providers deploy and manage pre-configured infrastructure (a.k.a. hardware) that facilitates the daily operations of a business. It allows businesses to rent storage, networks, servers, operating systems and virtual machines. While vendors manage these assets – typically on a pay-as-you-go basis – the user is responsible for installing and maintaining applications, data, runtime and middleware.

IaaS pros

• Costs are reduced because hardware and other network equipment do not have to be purchased or maintained.
• When seasonal fluctuations happen, IaaS provides on-demand scaling by automatically increasing and decreasing data storage needs.
• IaaS provides the flexibility for team members to easily access files and data offsite.
• The responsibility of hiring and managing an IT staff is eliminated because the IaaS provider is responsible for upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure.
• IaaS is known for its reliability.
• Virtualization capabilities allow multiple applications to run on a single computer system simultaneously. 

Iaas cons

• If the IaaS provider’s system is compromised, the security of your company data could be at risk.
• System upgrades depend on the provider, so program inefficiency can result if they are not handled in a timely manner.
• Over-reliance on outside IT services can limit company control.
• When the IaaS provider experiences technical problems, access to important applications and data will be restricted.

Here are a few of the most popular IaaS providers:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers IaaS through the Elastic Compute Cloud. With more than 165 fully featured services – including more than 40 exclusive ones – Amazon touts the large scope of capabilities it offers. According to the website:AWS provides services for a broad range of applications including compute, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), security and application development, deployment and management. Pricing for AWS depends on what services you are using.
• Azure is Microsoft’s public cloud that allows users to build, deploy and manage applications. It is known for its ease of use and can be used on all operating systems. Azure’s app services are based on a fee tier. Virtual machines start at $13 per month, and SQL database access starts at $4.00 per month.
• Rackspace Open Cloud has all the tools necessary for building scalable websites and applications. It features a user-friendly control panel and helpful customer service. Sessions start at $0.04 per hour and go up to $5.44 per hour. File storage starts at $0.10 per gigabyte per month. Block storage is $0.12 per gigabyte per month.

2. Software as a Service (SaaS)

3. Hybrid Cloud

Of all cloud computing companies, hybrid dominates the market. A hybrid cloud provides an integrated mix of on-premise, private cloud and third-party public cloud services (often with multiple vendors). In this environment, workloads can move between clouds as computing needs and costs fluctuate.

Hybrid cloud pros

• Hybrid Cloud offers the flexibility to use services based on needs. For example, businesses can communicate with clients on the public cloud while keeping their files secure on a private network.
• With all of the moving parts working together, every aspect of business can run at maximum efficiency.
• The option to choose which IT aspects will be placed in the private vs. public cloud.
• Hybrid cloud offers more security than using the public cloud alone.

Hybrid cloud cons

• Because the hybrid cloud is so flexible, companies who use it have to keep track of multiple platforms and vendors.
• Because there are several players involved, more complex IT solutions may be required (increasing costs).

Here are a few of the most popular hybrid cloud companies:

• Dell EMC was born when Dell Inc. acquired EMC Corporation. It is a technology company that enables organizations to store, manage, protect and analyze data through its advanced infrastructure. It serves businesses of all sizes. Those who are interested in exploring Dell EMC can request a quote on its various products from Dell Technologies.
• IBM Smart Cloud offers cloud computing for building and using private, public and hybrid clouds. Customers can purchase self-service or managed service options. There are many types of services and pay tiers offered, and the cost depends on which model you choose.
• The RackConnect hybrid cloud, which was created by Rackspace, is a hybrid cloud vendor that facilitates the creation of multi-cloud environments and helps big brands such as Under Armour and Six Flags to maximize their data storage. The service costs $0.12 per gigabytes for the first 10,000 and fluctuates from there.

The role of artificial intelligence in the cloud

Research is the key to making the best choice

According to insights from Hosting Tribunal, cloud initiatives are expected to account for 70% of all tech spending by 2020. Hybrid cloud computing has an especially promising future, with more than 80 percent of enterprises choosing to run on a multi-cloud strategy. Cloud companies and the services they offer come in all shapes and sizes. When searching for the top cloud providers, the best solution for one business may not be what is recommended for another. Often, the solution is a mix of products. Because no two companies have the exact same needs, finding the cloud provider that is best suited for daily business operations is essential. With so many options on the market, sifting through the information can feel overwhelming. Using these eight criteria can help with determining the right fit. If you are interested in learning more about scalable infrastructure and automations for your business, contact PowerSync for a free evaluation.