.png){kind=icon}
In this modern world, chances are you must have at least heard of Cloud Computing, if not used it unknowingly. Cloud Computing is often referred to as internet-based computing, as the user can access their data anywhere, anytime, with internet access, instead of their computer's hard drive. A few examples of Cloud Computing are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Salesforce, and such applications. But what exactly are cloud computing resources? While the examples gave you some idea of what they do, Do you not wish to understand what else they offer, their characteristics that are considered essential?
What Are Cloud Computing Services?
Cloud computing is a paradigm that utilizes system resources to provide services across the internet, providing on-demand computer services, such as storage, applications, network connectivity, databases, software solutions, development platforms, processing capabilities, and more.
Thanks to superior encryption offered by the service provider, users can access their information from the 'cloud' everywhere; they need a strong internet connection. Solutions such as applications, data, and infrastructure can be supplied utilizing the cloud platform.
This transforms cloud computing into a marketing strategy in which the network operator stores and maintains the product. Cloud servers do not need to be in a single location; instead, they are commonly deployed over multiple locations and administered by Cloud Service Providers.
Also Read: Salesforce Health Cloud: Explore Industry-Specific Solutions
Cloud Computing Features and Benefits
Nowadays, practically everything is operating on the cloud, being saved on the cloud, or being accessible via the cloud, making cloud computing the most sought-after technology across all industries and sectors.
Cloud computing has emerged as the preferred method for big applications, industrial and technological innovation, and data processing due to its measured costs, controllable hazards, and flexible usage.
Essential Characteristics Of Cloud Computing
1. Broad Network Access
Cloud computing is accomplished using conventional computing techniques, which aids in developing mixed large & light customer platforms. Computing services are often provided through the conventional network and multiple sensors. With a device and an internet connection, the user may access current data from a cloud platform or upload new data to the cloud from anywhere.
For example, the traveler can book his ticket online from any device with internet connectivity, such as a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or computer.
2. On-demand Self Service
Cloud computing service users can deploy, monitor, and manage computer resources as necessary without the need for human administrators. It is a crucial component of cloud computing and one of its most important aspects, as it allows the client to keep track of the server's uptime, capabilities, and network storage space.
For example, while purchasing a ticket on a travel portal, the client has the alternative of doing so without the assistance of a human. From selecting a flight to selecting a preferred class, the procedure is fully automated and doesn't require human intervention.
3. Resource Pooling and Multi-tenancy
The available IT resources (such as networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) are shared across several applications and occupants in an uncommitted approach. Various customers are served through a single essential resource. A programming code that allows a particular software version to serve many groups is known as multi-tenancy. It implies that multiple cloud provider clients share the same computer resources. Each Cloud customer's data is held entirely separate and secure despite sharing computer resources.
Using the same travel portal example, planes can transport multiple passengers in a single journey. These travelers go to the exact location, board the same airline, and are assigned different seats based on demand and availability.
4. Rapid Elasticity and Scalability
IT resources for cloud computing services should be flexible enough to scale up and down as fast as needed. This might even automatically happen in line with business needs in many circumstances. This ensures that the application always has the capacity it requires.
Scalability brings cost-effectiveness to cloud computing. Different servers might be added when there is a significant demand or workload. Using the same example of the travel portal, The flights may transport many passengers in a single journey. These travelers fly to the exact location, board the same plane, and are assigned different seats based on demand and availability.
5. Measured Service
Every application and resident's resource utilization is evaluated, and this information is made available to both the user and the resource supplier. This will be required for various reasons, including billing monitoring and resource utilization, providing both the provider and the customer with transparency.
For example, if a person travels by railway, they must only pay for the distance traveled, not the complete voyage that the train takes.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
Every resource is just a click away; you can access it anywhere from any device- all you need is a good internet connection.
1. Cloud computing reduces the costs of buying hardware and software considerably.
2. Low on maintenance & management from the User's POV
3. Infinite in size, so never runs out of capacity
4. With a device and internet connection, the services can be accessed at any time from anywhere.
5. Highly Scalable, thus, can quickly increase the capacity and customize them to fit the needs.
6. High-Quality Security provided by Cloud service providers alongside other resources.
7. Reliable Source of Storage, amidst Back up and Recovery of data, being accessible, less expensive, and very fast.
8. Efficient and productive in terms of cost and time, increasing the firm's productivity.
