Have you ever heard the term cloud computing? Well, this term is quite popular and is growing along with the development of cloud-based computing via the internet. The availability of internet databases makes cloud computing very potential to be applied in business and other activities in various fields. So, what is cloud computing? Check out the following review by NiceBlogger.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is everything that involves the internet in the delivery of services with the help of hosting. Cloud computing services are generally divided into three categories :
- Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), infrastructure as a service, namely physical servers, and virtual servers
- Platform as a service (PaaS), platform as a service, namely through a platform or framework that can be built or used in making applications
- Software as a service (SaaS) is an application that can be used online and cloud-based via the internet.
According to Microsoft, the explanation of cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, including servers, storage, databases, networks, software, analytics, and artificial intelligence via the internet. It technically offers faster innovation aligned with flexible resources and certain economies of scale. Cloud computing services themselves have paid or free access.
How cloud computing works
Cloud computing is technically the main way of working to allow client devices to access cloud data and applications over the internet. This access is strengthened by remote physical servers, databases, and computers. The internet network connection is the link between the front end — including client devices, access to network sites, and cloud-based software applications — with the back end — including databases, servers, and computers.
Functionally, the back end acts as a repository and stores data accessed by the front end. Each application will have a dedicated server to focus the individual cloud workloads in connecting the two above. Communication that occurs between the front end and back end is managed entirely by a central server. At the same time, main servers rely on protocols to facilitate data exchange. The central server uses software and middleware to manage the connectivity between client devices and the server.
Cloud computing is very dependent on virtualization and automation technologies. Virtualization allows for easy abstraction and provision of services and logical entities from the cloud system according to the user requests or uses. Automation is an orchestration capability that provides self-service for users so that resources and service connection processes are available without the direct intervention of the staff of the cloud computing provider physically.
Functions and benefits of cloud computing
A company that uses cloud computing does not have to buy and maintain its computing infrastructure independently. These companies and agencies do not need to purchase servers or update applications or operating systems.
A service provider or cloud provider generally handles it. Companies or agencies that use cloud computing only need to run and secure services efficiently. In addition, it allows companies or agencies to move faster in project work or concept testing.
Cloud computing supports business agility processes based on speed and timeliness. One of the important advantages of cloud computing is elasticity. The main functions can be detailed as follows:
- Build cloud-based applications with faster deployment and application scale
- Utilization of cloud-native technologies and approaches, microservices architecture, API-based communication, and DevOps
- Build and test applications with cloud infrastructure that can be easily scaled up or down
- Save, backup, and restore data cost-effectively
- Can access and transfer data via the internet to a cloud storage system anywhere and on any device
- Analyze data through machine learning and artificial intelligence to reveal insights for decision making
- Streaming audio and video conferencing with any cloud-based device
- Opening opportunities for customer involvement to provide insight or input from the data taken
- Service-based cloud computing (SaaS) can allow users to offer customers updated versions of software whenever and wherever they are
Type cloud computing
Cloud computing technically provides customers with different levels of control, flexibility, and management so that they can choose a suite of services according to their individual preferences and needs. When referring to its type, It has four types of infrastructure, namely as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), software as a service (SaaS), and serverless computing. However, cloud computing is divided into five types when referring to its application.
1. Public cloud
A public cloud is run by a third-party cloud provider. These providers will provide cloud services to clients via the public internet. Cloud providers also offer services for maintaining ownership and control of cloud storage, hardware, infrastructure, and resources. Not only that, but cloud providers also provide troubleshooting and regular updates.
2. Private Cloud
In contrast to a public cloud, a private cloud is a service used by a single individual or business with private cloud resources and storage. Private cloud users can access the service through a private network and cannot be accessed by others with the public internet. Third-party cloud providers offer common private cloud options because they are more secure but expensive.
3. Hybrid cloud
Technically a hybrid cloud is a mix of private and public services to give clients the flexibility to manage their infrastructure and operations. To be able to maintain data and business security, for example, an agency can use private cloud elements. However, agencies can use the public cloud for document sharing or collaboration.
5. Multi-cloud
Multi-cloud is generally done to improve cybersecurity systems and help maintain a different cloud. Generally done to simplify workflows, departments, or other branches within one agency. Sharing resources between clouds will be more difficult in this cloud computing system.
5. High-performance computing cloud (HPC)
HPC cloud is a type that provides cloud services for high-performance computing applications and devices called supercomputers. Some agencies use this type to perform complex computing tasks. HPC offers data space and server power that is strong enough to assist and ensure that services continue to run efficiently even in complex computing tasks.
That was a review about cloud computing that you need to know. Some companies or individuals use cloud computing to simplify the process of collaboration or software production.