What is Cloud Server? Definition, Types and How it Works

On this article we will share about Cloud Server. If you search for Cloud Server, lets read this article to finish. 

Have you ever had a nightmare like this? Moreover, if you are a businessman and what is missing is important company data. Financial reports to email lists of potential customers, for example.

It must be complicated if you have to collect data again from the beginning. Not to mention, if you want to change devices, you have to move everything manually. Obviously, this will take up a lot of time.

Therefore, overhaul the old way of storing data by switching to a cloud server . Cloud server is a virtual space that allows you to store and process data practically anywhere.

Surely, you are increasingly curious about what a cloud server is, right? Without further ado, let’s see the explanation below!

What is Cloud Server?

Cloud Server Definiton

Cloud servers are virtual servers that run in a cloud computing environment . Cloud computing is a technology for storing and processing data using internet resources.

Like the cloud, all the data you need is stored in a virtual space on the internet. It’s no longer just on physical storage devices such as flash drives, computer memory, or DVDs.

Broadly speaking, the following cloud server functions:

  • As a storage space for personal data, application data, to web hosting data.
  • Run a variety of applications and hosting, so it doesn’t take up the memory of the hardware you’re using.

Because unlike physical storage space, using virtual servers is much simpler . Because, you can access it anytime and with any device (desktop, mobile, tablet).

For example, when you leave your work laptop at home, even though you have a presentation at a meeting that is five minutes away from starting.

You don’t have to go home to pick it up. Just borrow a friend’s laptop, connect to the internet, then log in to the platform account (email, Drive, etc.) that you use. That’s it, just pull the data from the cloud server. Practical, right?

Well, because you are still curious about detailed information about cloud servers, we will discuss it in the next point.

Who Needs to Use a Cloud Server?

Cloud Server 2

From earlier, you have learned the meaning of cloud server. But, do you really need it? Indeed, cloud server is suitable for anyone anyway?

In fact, 81% of companies already have at least one of their apps stored in the cloud. Not surprising, because cloud servers are suitable for use by:

1. Online Store

If you have an online store that has quite a lot of visitors, consider using a cloud server.

In addition to storing product catalog data to customer data, cloud servers allow you to have a web with a more stable speed. With qualified resources, of course, the site will be more ready to receive a surge in visitors, especially when there is a massive discount.

2. Educational/School Services

Since the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the whole world, online learning has become a necessity. In fact, 93% of school children have started remote learning (distance online learning).

What used to be face-to-face learning, now the materials are distributed online. Likewise with the procurement of exams, many have adopted the Computer Based Test (CBT) model .

Therefore, educational services such as e-learning businesses and schools are recommended to use virtual servers. That way, all online learning needs can be met properly, safely, and smoothly.

3. Manufacturing

Does the manufacturing industry that produces motors, metals, plastics and so on need a cloud server? Of course need.

The reason is, a professional manufacturing industry definitely needs a modern and secure database management system. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software , for example.

And of course, ERP software runs on the cloud. That way, all business management will be integrated safely and efficiently. Good for monitoring raw material stock, managing vendors, distributing products, and so on.

4. Other Businesses That Are Growing

In addition to personal use, the service industry to manufacturing, cloud servers are also suitable for other growing businesses. Such as housing, legal, financial, and many more.

The reason is, the cloud server will help you collaborate with the team to communicate with customers. Moreover, the capacity can also be upgraded to suit your company’s needs.

5. Personal Use

Not necessarily by companies, cloud servers are also suitable for personal use. If you want to have a virtual storage space that is large enough, secure, and can be used personally, a cloud server can be the answer.

How Cloud Server Works

How Cloud Server Works

The way cloud servers work can be likened to as simple as using a water tank. When you want to water the plants, instead of drawing water from the well, you can just turn on the faucet and drain the water as needed.

What does that mean?

Now, imagine if the tank is like a virtual server, while the water in it contains data and programs. To flow water to the faucet, you need a pipe or internet.

By having all that, you are free to use all the resources stored on the virtual server.

And it’s not just one tank, the ‘pipe’ is capable of connecting you with tanks around the world. So, you can access it anywhere.

Interestingly, cloud servers allow you to combine several water tanks into one. So arguably, you will have unlimited resources. Interesting, right?

Types of Cloud Server

Types of Cloud Server

Cloud servers or cloud computing have several types. Here are the types of cloud servers:

  • Public cloud, the cloud computing model contains all information that can be accessed by the public. For example: YouTube, Instagram, etc;
  • Community cloud, is a virtual server that is managed internally and access is only open to a group of organizations. Like two companies working together;
  • Private cloud, which is a cloud server that can only be accessed by internal people. Usually the level of security of private clouds is much stricter than other cloud computing models. Examples: Cloud Hosting, Cloud VPS;
  • Hybrid cloud, which is a combination of public cloud and private cloud. This means that there is information that can be accessed by the general public and some that can only be accessed internally by the company.

Of the many types of cloud servers, private clouds such as VPS and Cloud Hosting are indeed the ones that are used quite often. Especially by companies that require a high level of security for all information flows in their business.

Later, we will discuss this further. Before that, let’s first know the advantages of cloud servers.

7+ Advantages of Cloud Server

Big Data

From the previous discussion, you already know at a glance the advantages of cloud servers as storage space that is simple and easy to access.

So that you know more about it, please see the advantages of cloud servers in more detail below:

1. Easy and Flexible in Accessing Data

As you know, the use of cloud servers is quite flexible. No matter where you are, you can still run all data and programs as long as you have internet access.

It’s different if you store data on a computer. If you don’t take the computer with you, then access to the storage space will also be cut off.

What’s more, you can also access the cloud server through various types of devices. From laptops, smartphones, to tablets. Even if there is a data change, everything will automatically adjust.

2. Improve Team Collaboration

In the long term, is it possible if the business is managed by just one person? The answer is definitely no. You still need team collaboration, even if it contains only a few people.

In that collaboration, of course you and your team need a data room that can be accessed at any time, but still has a high level of security . Well, cloud servers like VPS are able to overcome this.

This is because you can store various information in a virtual space that can only be accessed by internal companies. That way, every member in the business can connect with each other, collaborate, and reduce the workload.

In fact, 82% of workloads can be moved to the cloud , you know. You don’t have to go back and forth into the storage room to organize files, spend long hours tidying up documents, and so on.

3. Free to Use Storage Space

As you already know, cloud servers do function as storage space. Even so, not all cloud servers are the same, you know.

For certain types of hosting (Shared Hosting, WordPress Hosting, etc.), cloud servers can only store web hosting data. But, it is different with Cloud VPS which allows you to store personal files that have nothing to do with the website.

In other words, you can use VPS hosting as personal storage space like Google Drive, Dropbox, or other file hosting services.

4. Doesn’t Take Up Hardware Memory

Surely, you’ve come across moments when the laptop crashes because the memory is full. As a result, the laptop can’t install any applications, the work becomes heavy, opening files is also slow.

However, it is different if you use a cloud server. Because it fills virtual storage space, your hardware memory will be more loose. So, the device continues to work optimally and your work is much smoother.

5. Trusted Security

Now, imagine if you save company data on a laptop and unfortunately the laptop is stolen or infected with a virus. All important data is sold out or damaged, even though you don’t have a back-up. Dizzy, right?

Now if you use a cloud server, your data will definitely not be destroyed that easily. In fact, companies that use cloud servers have increased their security by up to 94%.

In fact, even if your data is also stored on physical servers, its security is much more guaranteed. This is because the physical server is not in an ordinary room, but a certain data center.

The location of this data center is also different, depending on the hosting provider you use. Hosting Provider, for example, uses data centers in DCI Indonesia and Singapore.

And of course, Hosting Provider’s data center is also far from dangerous things such as water, fire, or human ignorant hands. This is because the building itself has international standards with a high level of security. Such as earthquake protection, layered security checks, limited access rights, and so on.

But, what if the server is hit by a virus attack?

Don’t panic. How come there are cloud server providers that provide their products with a super tight security system. Hosting Provider itself continues to monitor the server to provide the Auto Back-up feature on its Cloud VPS service.

6. Guaranteed Speed

The use of cloud servers can meet your needs. Because, you can access data faster and even collaborate with other people.

In addition, various data center locations also affect cloud server speed. The closer to the data center, the better the server performance.

So even if you or a web visitor access the cloud server from abroad, the request is still fulfilled quickly. What’s more, you can also have multiple virtual servers so you can skyrocket the speed.

If in Cloud Hosting, there are several servers that serve you so that the work (data transfer, managing apps, etc.) is completed faster.

But if you use a Cloud VPS, you have separate resources from other users. Not surprisingly, the speed of your site is even more optimal and can even reach 100MB/S .

Moreover, VPS also uses SSD (latest generation storage device) so that it allows 10x faster data flow and web performance .

7. Prevent Transaction Failure

If your shop closes at eight o’clock at night and a potential buyer arrives at ten o’clock, what happens? Most likely, potential buyers will stop by another store. The transaction also failed.

However, if you switch to a cloud server and use it to power your website, transaction failures will be easier for you to prevent.

But, can’t cloud servers also crash when experiencing downtime? (Downtime: the period of time during which the server is down aka temporarily down.)

Don’t get me wrong. In fact, there are hosting providers like Hosting Provider that allow 24 hour server uptime. Hosting Provider also manages its services in such a way as to reduce the risk of downtime.

In Cloud Hosting , you have several virtual servers that will work together when one of them is down. Meanwhile, with Cloud VPS , you have large enough resources that allow the server to work optimally.

Of course, this is good news for business websites that use cloud servers. You see, most likely the site is on continuously for 24 hours so that the door to receive transactions will not be closed.

8. Can Upgrade As Needed

One of the things you’ll love about cloud servers is their great scalability. That means, you can upgrade the server as needed. Adding memory, for example.

Of course, the benefits of cloud servers are very much needed by businesses that want to grow.

In the early days of starting a company, there may not be big problems when using regular storage space or servers with minimal capacity. Because, you can still manage your own business affairs.

But, let’s say your online store is growing. Your team gets bigger, so do the deals. Which means, the more data you use. Surely, it’s complicated if you have to queue to retrieve data in traditional storage rooms, right?

Even if you have used a server, without a good capacity, it would be a lie. Because, if the number of visitors with the entrance to the hosting is not comparable, data management is also slow.

That means, if the business continues to accelerate and is not matched by an increase in servers, this is like forcing SD clothes on to adults. Obviously, the website and the server will definitely be hacked and most likely fail to access . As a result, even people who want to transact cannot.

Well luckily, cloud servers are able to answer these business needs. You are free to upgrade the service according to the level. Like Hosting Provider which provides nano to platinum levels for Cloud VPS and basic to corporate levels for Cloud Hosting.

Cloud Server and VPS Server

The difference between Cloud Server and VPS Server is the server division. Cloud Server combines multiple physical servers into one virtual server, whereas Cloud VPS splits one physical server into multiple virtual servers.

Well, the two examples of this type of virtual server service are closely related to hosting. Hosting is a service for storing and managing website data.

Server acts as a wheel that drives all activities in hosting. If the server is down, the hosting also fails to work.

For more details, please see the differences between Cloud Hosting and Cloud VPS below.

1. Cloud Hosting

Suitable for: school website, business website, company website, etc

Cloud hosting is a type of hosting that stores data on several physical servers that are united into a virtual server. This technology is also known as cluster.

With cluster technology, when there is a problem with one server, another server will take its place. As a result, server uptime is maintained.

2. Cloud VPS

Cloud VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a hosting service that divides a physical server into several virtual parts. Each virtual server has its own resources and is only used by one user.

In other words, even if the server usage is shared with other users, the resources are separate and you can even manage it yourself. As a result, web performance is not compromised.

There are many types of cloud VPS. Based on virtualization (the division of physical servers into virtual servers), the following are the types of VPS:

OpenVZ KVM (Kernel-Based Virtual Machine) VPS Cyberpanel
Definition Virtualization at the OS level or  container-based  operating system on Linux operating systems. Kernel-based virtual server   as the basis of the core program of a server & can be run on Linux and Windows. A web control panel that is directly supported by OpenLiteSpeed, with a number of other excellent features such as GIT Manager, Docker Manager, SSL, and others.
Suitable for Any website with high traffic Making apps to online stores that require a checkout process, product catalog storage, and high security. Websites whose traffic is already too high, but you have trouble installing a VPS or setting up your own panel

Now, you know that cloud servers can collaborate with physical servers to produce the best web performance. Especially for sites that must be online 24 hours such as company websites, news portals, etc.

But not only that, there are many more advantages of cloud servers that you should know. Let’s slide down!

What’s the Best Cloud Server for You? Hosting Provider has the answer!

Now, you know the best hosting services that use cloud servers including Cloud Hosting and Cloud VPS . However, even though they both adopt cloud servers, these two types of hosting are much different.

Then, which is the best Indonesian cloud server for you? Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of Cloud VPS and Cloud Hosting from Hosting Provider below.

Comparison of Cloud VPS vs Cloud Hosting Specifications

Cloud VPS Cloud Hosting
Variation Available up to eight levels to meet various needs Only available up to four levels
Disk Space 20 – 250GB (Cloud VPS)
20GB – 320GB (VPS KVM)
20GB – 250GB (Cyberpanel VPS)
20 – 120GB
RAM 1GB – 16GB (Cloud VPS)
0.5GB – 16GB (VPS KVM)
1GB – 16GB (Cyberpanel VPS)
3GB to 10GB
Capacity 450,000 – 1,350,000 visitors 450,000 – 1,350,000 visitors
Flexibility Can perform OS setup, optimization, and maintenance of the server itself according to needs. Cannot replace existing OS and applications.
cPanel Options There is an auto installer feature with easy-to-use Control Panel options (CyberPanel. Webuzo, cPanel/WHM, etc.) There is only access to cPanel accounts
IP Address Get a dedicated IP (only one domain is used), so that the reputation of the domain is not compromised by other users Using shared IP (used by multiple domains on one server), so the bad reputation of other domains will affect

Ease of Use and Other Features of Cloud VPS vs Cloud Hosting

Cloud VPS Cloud Hosting
Support Manage independently because users have full root access ((freedom to change various hosting server settings) Has 24/7 support from CS because user root access is limited
Technical ability Users must understand how to configure and manage servers You don’t have to have qualified technical skills to manage the server
Built-in features Install the required apps and OS yourself Get built-in features automatically (SSL, LiteSpeed ​​Enterprise, WordPress Acceleratod, etc)
Auto Backup Backup weekly Daily backup

In general, you can conclude that:

  • Cloud VPS and KVM VPS are suitable for business people who have good technical knowledge and want to have a website with high resources and need high scalability (ability to develop). Example: company web, online shop, e-learning, etc;
  • Cloud Hosting is suitable for business people who do not have technical experience, but want to have a website with qualified resources and good scalability . Examples: school websites, small MSMEs, news portals, etc.

Conclusion

Now that’s a discussion about the meaning of cloud servers, their functions and advantages. You need this service when you need large resources, install the operating system instantly, perform custom configurations on the server, are fast, time-saving, cost-efficient and to store online data in a safer place with more stable/flexible server performance.