The digital world is constantly changing, causing our technological landscape to shift on a near-constant basis. Innovations, world events, and business needs cause technology to adapt and change to serve the business community better. Cloud computing is one such technological shift that has become a valuable part of our lives in recent decades.Cloud computing options have been around since the 1950s and 1960s, but it was in the 2000s when the technology and demand for it became more apparent in our professional and personal lives. In more recent years, cloud computing has become vital to most businesses and households. In fact having the ability to work anywhere there was an internet connection was imperative during the COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing. That ability to use a computer or device to work from any location at any time was potentially a savior for many small businesses that relied on employees to keep things going. Approximately 94% of all companies globally use cloud software currently, according to a report from Colorlib. “That is a 14% increase since 2020, suggesting that the pivot to remote working during the pandemic accelerated the adoption rate of cloud technologies.”Has your organization switched to a cloud-based approach? If you haven’t, now is the time to consider it. If your organization has cloud services and you’re not happy with your service provider, now may be the time to switch. Before doing either, it’s a good idea to review what these cloud-based options are and how they can be a valuable addition to your company.
What Is Cloud Computing?
The term cloud computing is used to describe the delivery of on-demand computing services. Resources via the Internet are a pay-as-you-go option that could include hardware, software, databases, and networking.Rather than managing services at a local level, the services are provided through the Internet and allow for organizations to only use what is needed thus potentially lowering business operating costs, being more agile, scalable, and efficient. Cloud services are typically provided by a third party thus allowing organizations to avoid upfront physical infrastructure costs (and the cost to manage them), set-up fees, or the purchase of hardware or software that they may or may not need.
Common Types of Cloud Services
Regardless of the type of cloud computing format your organization chooses - private, public, hybrid, or multi-cloud format - there will be several available services to choose from depending on the needs of your business. Some of the most common include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platforms as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service is an on-demand service that can give access to computing, storage, networking, and virtualization. Within this service, the provider hosts, maintains and updates the infrastructure, eliminating the need for businesses to do so themselves. This service solution helps organizations reduce maintenance of on-premises data centers, save money on hardware costs, and gain real-time business insights. Examples of IaaS include Azure, AWS, and Google Compute Engine.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
In this cloud computing model, a service provider delivers hardware and software tools to users over the internet and on their infrastructure. This service frees developers from having to install in-house hardware and software to develop or run a new application. Examples of this service include AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Google App Engine, Cloud Foundry, and Heroku.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
The option of Software as a Service allows for ready to use software delivered directly over the Internet. This service allows for a pay-as-you-go option where users can access software without having to purchase and install it. The service provider ensures the availability and security of the application taking much of the upkeep and maintenance off the user. Examples of this service include Salesforce and Microsoft 365.
Benefits of the Cloud Approach
Why should your organization switch to a cloud-based approach over traditional options? Some of the biggest selling points include cost savings, security advantage, scalability options and ease of use. Here are more details on why the cloud may be a valuable option moving forward.
Cost Savings
Overwhelmingly, organizations cite the cost savings as the main reason why they switched to cloud computing services over traditional services. The most obvious reason for these cost savings includes the concept that organizations only pay for the services that they need, when they need them, with the option to scale up or down when the demand dictates. This pay-as-you-go option allows businesses to stop overpaying for extra services that are not needed or that need extensive management at the local level.
Flexibility and Scalability
Cloud computing options give organizations the flexibility to use only the resources that meet their unique business needs. Without having to invest in physical infrastructure, businesses can gain access to what they need at the precise moment they need it. That means that as a business grows the access to services can also grow without the need of purchasing more hardware or software - just a shift in the service contract.
Increased Collaboration
Using cloud computing means that data is available anywhere there is an Internet connection. This means that whether you are in the office, with a client, or working remotely, you still have the ability to access all of your data and collaborate with the right people at the time.
Better Security
There are most certainly security advantages to using cloud services. Service providers have the ability to provide extensive and robust security features as well as automatic maintenance and a central management of security that many traditional options lack. By using secure online systems and encrypted data, service providers can ensure that your organization’s data is protected at every step along the way from a host of threats.
Prevention of Data Loss
Using the cloud means that your data is backed up and is protected by disaster recovery features that are more than likely more robust than any individual business can access on their own. Whether there is a natural or manmade disaster, a technical emergency, a malicious threat, or a hardware malfunction, cloud services are fully protected thus ensuring organizations peace of mind. Beyond these benefits, cloud services are easy to use, meaning you don’t have to be a tech guru to be able to operate the software or system. If your business is considering migrating to the cloud, talk to our team at Spectra Networks about options that are right for your industry and organization’s needs. We are happy to help.
