What is Cloud Computing ? Definition, Types and Functions

Cloud computing is a method of delivering various services over the internet. The resources in question are examples of applications such as data storage, servers, databases, networks, and software.

Instead of storing lots of files on your hard drive or local storage on your computer or phone, cloud -storage lets you store files as long as you can access the internet.

Cloud computing is a popular option because it has many advantages, such as cost savings, increased productivity, speed, efficiency, performance, and security. Therefore, it is unsurprising that many companies or people use the cloud to store data.

This time Matob will share with you what cloud computing is.

Understand more about cloud computing.

Cloud Computing

They are named cloud computing because the information is accessed remotely in the “cloud” or virtual room. Companies that provide cloud services allow their users to store files and applications from remote servers. They can also access it as long as there is an internet connection. This means a user can be in a variety of places to get access to his files.

Cloud computing can be public or private. The public cloud provides its services publicly on the internet. While on the other hand, the private cloud only provides its services to certain people. There is also a hybrid option combining public and private clouds.

An example of using cloud computing

Apart from the variety of services, cloud computing provides its users with a range of functions, such as:

  • Email, for example, the Zimbra Mail service
  • Storage, backup, and data retrieval
  • Create and test apps
  • Analyze data
  • Streaming audio and video

Cloud computing is a relatively new service, but it has been used by companies ranging from small to large corporations, companies or government ministries, and even individual users.

Besides that, cloud computing also has services such as language processing, artificial intelligence, and standard programs on the job. Anyway, assistance doesn’t require you to be physically in front of hardware like computers and laptops.

Type cloud computing based on service.

Cloud computing is not a piece of technology like microchips or mobile phones. Instead, it is a system consisting primarily of three services: software-as-a-service (SaaS), infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), and platform-as-a-service (PaaS).

  1. Software-as-a-service (SaaS) involves licensing a software application to its user. These licenses are usually granted via a pay-as-you-go or on-demand method. This type can be found in Microsoft Office 365
  2. Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) involves delivering a file from the operating system to the server and storage via IP-based connectivity as part of an on-demand service. Clients don’t need to buy software or servers.
  3. Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) is touted as the most complex. PaaS is almost similar to SaaS, but the most significant difference is that, instead of sending software online, PaaS is a platform for creating software delivered over the internet. Examples of PaaS are Salesforce.com and Heroku.

How does cloud computing work?

What is Cloud Computing ? Definition, Types and Functions

Each variant of cloud computing has the same two factors: data centers that are outside and must have the internet to access them. Server resources in this data center are pooled to create a vast platform ready to accommodate virtual services.

These pooled resources are arranged to be flexible so that users can access more storage space if needed. Similarly, unused resources will be released to the cloud when no longer required.

The use of these on-demand-based resources offers virtually unlimited scalability and flexibility. The reason is your need for cloud computing is constantly changing or dynamic.

Advantages of using cloud computing

cloud computing data management concept

Cloud is more than just being able to access files remotely. Thanks to cloud computing, users can check email on any computer or even save and access files from anywhere, like Dropbox or Google Drive.

Therefore, companies using the cloud can cut costs significantly. Before the cloud, companies had to buy, own, and build their management information technology (IT). On the other hand, with the cloud, companies only need a central server and IT department to ensure that their internet is fast and stable so that their employees can interact with the cloud online.

The cloud allows employees to save storage space on laptops or computers. When software or program requires updating, download it without using traditional methods such as a disc or flash drive.

For example, Adobe users can access applications through Creative Cloud with a subscription model. This allows its users to download the latest version and fix the program more efficiently.

Cloud computing from the business side

To move to a cloud system, the first thing to do is to calculate the value of your IT infrastructure quickly. There are many factors, such as the cost of maintaining a data center, rental fees, hardware and software prices, CPU specifications, RAM, etc. You also have to think about whether to ditch it or rebuild for the cloud and SaaS plans. Each option has its costs. Using the cloud also has to calculate additional employee costs, for example.

Businesses can use cloud computing in different ways. Some users leave their entire application or data in the cloud, while others use a hybrid model, meaning only some applications or data are on a private server, while the rest are in the public cloud.