What is Cloud Computing?
To fully understand the "hidden cloud," think of cloud computing as a rental service for computing power. Just like you don't own the power plant, you don't need to own all the powerful computers and servers needed to scale your business. Instead, your company can pay for the computing power it uses, just like you pay for your electricity bill. You can access and use these cloud based IT resources over the internet without the cash out of ownership. Cloud computing also has environmental benefits, as it reduces energy consumption and your company's carbon footprint compared to traditional computing methods.
Everyday Examples of Cloud Computing
- Email: When you use Gmail or Yahoo Mail, you use cloud computing. Google or Yahoo stores your emails on their servers, not your computer. You can access your emails from any device thanks to the Google Cloud.
- Streaming: Cloud computing makes the joy of watching movies on Netflix or immersing yourself in music on Spotify possible. These services store their vast libraries of movies and music on their servers, and you seamlessly stream them over the internet. This technology ensures you're constantly engaged in your favorite content without the hassle of downloads or storage limitations.
- Online Storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud let you store files online. You can access your documents, photos, and videos from any device without needing a physical storage device.
Key Benefits of Cloud Computing
- Accessibility: With an internet connection, you can access your data and applications from anywhere. Anywhere access means you can work and use your IT assets from home, on the go, or while traveling.
- Cost Savings: Cloud computing operates on a pay-as-you-go model, which can lead to significant cost savings. You no longer need to spend thousands to purchase the second fastest depreciated asset (next to cars). Instead, you pay for what you use, just like a utility bill. This financial relief is particularly beneficial for small to medium businesses that want to save on IT costs yet need 'big company' access to computing power. Without cloud support, peak demand can crash servers and bring down websites, but with cloud computing, you can rest assured that your financial resources are being used efficiently.
- Scalability: With cloud computing, you can quickly get more storage or computing power. If you need less, you can scale down. This flexibility allows businesses to adjust their resources based on their needs, demands, and cash flow.
- Maintenance: Cloud service providers handle all the maintenance, updates, and security. You don't have to worry about fixing things or updating software, but selecting a responsive cloud application or team like the ones listed below becomes a critical success factor (CSF).
Visualizing the Cloud
Imagine your files and applications are in a virtual office, a digital space on the internet. Instead of storing everything on your computer, you store them in this virtual office. This office is accessible from any computer, smartphone, or tablet, and you'll find everything right where you left it, ready to use.
In short, cloud computing lets your company use powerful computers and storage without owning them. You access these resources over the internet, making it convenient, cost-effective, and powerful. It's like renting a supercomputer that you can use anytime, anywhere without the upfront cash or headcount duplicating such an IT environment would require.
