5 Reasons Why You Should Use Cloud Computing Services For Your Business

In the past, people used to run programs or applications from a local server or through software downloaded on their computers. Now, with cloud computing, people can access the same applications or programs without having to download them. All it requires is a stable internet connection. Reports suggest that nearly 70% of businesses are already leveraging cloud technology for their business, however, many small businesses still feel hesitant about it.

Today, organizations don’t prefer storing their data or important information on in-house servers. They rather opt for cloud computing services where they get access to all the files without causing a load on the system. Gmail and Google Drive are a few examples of cloud-based applications.

Types of Cloud Computing Models

There are basically three types of cloud computing models, namely IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Based on a business’ requirements, one can pick any of the three.

1. Information as a Service (IaaS)

In the IaaS model, you pay only for the services you want to rent. It includes services like storage, processing power, and networks for users to run their applications. This model enables users to access infrastructure services over the Internet.

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

The PaaS platform offers developers a variety of programming languages to create innovative applications, and to test, deploy, host, and maintain applications in the same integrated environment (IDE). This also facilitates collaboration among developers.

3. Software as a Service (SaaS)

This category of cloud computing services allows users to access applications over the Internet which is hosted and managed by the service provider. The service providers offer them services to create, manage, and track electronic documents. Unlike the traditional software model which is delivered as a license-based product (and is installed on the end user’s device), the SaaS model is delivered as an on-demand service over the Internet and doesn’t need to be installed locally.

Types of Clouds

There are four main types of clouds- Private Clouds, Public Clouds, Hybrid Clouds, and Multi-Clouds.

1. Private Clouds

These are cloud environments that are solely dedicated to an individual or a group, and the environment usually runs behind their firewall. Any cloud is a private cloud when the underlying IT infrastructure is dedicated to a single user with complete over it. Private clouds are deployed and managed by the organization itself within the premises, and hence there are minimal chances of the data getting leaked.

2. Public Clouds

As the name suggests, public clouds are environments that are used by the general public (including individuals and organizations) and aren’t owned by a single user. These are managed by third-party vendors and the resources are offered on a pay-per-use basis, which means a user can simply pay for resources for a given number of hours and work with them. Some of the largest public cloud providers are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, and Google Cloud (GCP).

3. Hybrid Clouds

Hybrid clouds are a combination of public and private clouds. This cloud environment is created from multiple environments connected through local area networks, wide area networks, and virtual private networks. Hybrid clouds are quite complex. Depending on what you require, it can include at least one public cloud for external environments and/or one private cloud for internal environments or two or more public/private clouds.

4. Multi-Clouds

Multi-clouds are clouds made up of more than one cloud service and from more than one cloud vendor, either public or private. All hybrid clouds are multi-clouds but not all multi-clouds are hybrid clouds. They become so only when multiple clouds are connected through some means of integration or orchestration.

Benefits of Cloud Computing Services for Your Business

Cloud computing is helpful for all sizes of businesses- it can cater to SMEs as well as large enterprises. If you are still unsure as to whether it is beneficial for your business or not, read some of its advantages.

1. Reduces Unnecessary Costs

Cloud computing tends to minimize the huge costs involved in the purchase and maintenance of the infrastructure. This drastically reduces the capital expenditure costs and total cost of ownership. One doesn’t need to install large systems or invest heavily in utilities, hardware, or building a data center but can simply install the resources of a cloud system and pay for only what he uses.

Cloud also minimizes additional costs, such as related to downtime. As downtime is very rare in cloud systems, you don’t have to spend too much time and money on fixing downtime issues.

2. Scalability

Different IT organizations have different needs. A startup won’t have the same IT requirements as a large enterprise. Cloud computing enables organizations to efficiently and quickly scale up or down their IT departments depending on their needs. This scalability reduces the risks associated with in-house operations and maintenance.

3. Security

Security always remains the major concern for all businesses irrespective of the size and the industry. Security breaches can adversely affect the company’s reputation, revenue, and customer loyalty.

With Cloud, you don’t need to be much worried about data security. It comes with advanced security features that ensure that the data is securely stored and managed. Cloud providers implement some baseline security measures for their platforms and the data they process, such as authentication, access control, and encryption. Most organizations supplement these protections with some of their own security measures to strengthen cloud data protection and access to sensitive information.

4. Control

Every organization wants to have control over its sensitive data. You never know what happens if the data or any confidential information goes into the wrong hands. Cloud provides you with complete visibility and control over your data. You can decide which users have what level of access to what data. Not only does this give you better control but it also streamlines work since the team members will easily know what work or files are assigned to them.

5. Disaster Recovery

It can be a costly affair for businesses to invest in complex disaster recovery plans and backing up data is also a time-consuming affair. Storing and backing up the data in the cloud is relatively easier than doing the same on a physical server. It is designed in such a way that the stored data is mirrored across servers, and in case one server fails, the data is instantly backed up. This reduces website downtime and loss of productivity.

Final Thoughts

The adoption of cloud technology is increasing with each passing year. By using cloud computing services, organizations can reap many benefits and get maximum return on investment. It holds a huge potential and would likely bring more advantages to businesses in the future.

If you have any queries regarding how to leverage the benefits of the cloud for your business, reach out to our expert team and they will help you out.