WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING?
Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computer resources like storage, managing and databases, software etc using the internet. In this way, your files are kept safe in a data centre and are also backed up automatically. You only pay for cloud services you use , it also lowers your operating cost and helps to run the infrastructure in a better way.
Some examples of cloud storage are
Google Drive lets you upload different type of documents like docs, spreadsheets, presentations at one single place. Also, these documents are manage and kept safely.
iCloud: In this the users get the benefit of storing docs, images , videos , contacts all together at one single place. The service offers 5 GB storage for free. if someone needs additional storage, they can make a payment and buy the storage.
Dropbox allows the users to share files and folders over the internet to a group of people.
HOW DOES CLOUD COMPUTING STORAGE WORKS?
The service of cloud computing works through the internet where the users have an access to store their documents or files in the cloud. Here, they can download the data to any chosen device and can also edit them. The hosting service is responsible for maintaining whatever data you store in the cloud. If a person stores some data on iCloud on a phone, and also has iCloud with the same credentials in the laptop as well, he can access to the same data on the phone as well as on the laptop. All this makes it easier for the user to access the files and manage them easily. At present iCloud offers free 5GB space but if you need more space, you need to buy it . the price would depend upon the services that you use.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CLOUD COMPUTING?
Cloud computing has gained a lot of popularity worldwide. It gives the user a feature to access their data all at one place without managing or worrying about the security of the data. It has some advantages:
1.Saves Cost:
This is the best reason why one should opt for cloud computing. You don’t have to spend huge amount of money on maintaining or purchasing devices for storage and maintenance. As you get the benefit of hardware’s and other utilities, a lot of money gets saved here.
2.Flexible:
You get extra freedom and flexibility if you use cloud to store your data which helps increase your business efficiency. You do not have to take stress over data storage issues, software’s PR any other related issues. So, you have the flexibility of working and giving full attention to your work.
3.Prevention Of Loss Or Misplacement:
Once you store your data in the cloud, you need not worry about its damage misplacement.
4.Mobility:
Cloud computing allows mobile access which is very helpful for the companies and organizations. As there is loads of work staff has a busy schedule and sometimes also needs to do work at late nights sitting in their houses. By using cloud computing, you can access data anywhere.
5.Security:
Cloud computing gives you the benefit of security of your data. They provide authentication and secure control over your data. It also gives you a feature to reduce the access of people to sensitive data that you store in the cloud. So, you can be relaxed as your data remains safe in cloud.
6.Control:
You have control over your data in cloud computing. As sometimes companies wants limited people to access over some data, so, cloud computing gives you the benefit of deciding the level of access over the data stored.
7.Competitive Edge:
If you choose cloud computing surely it will benefit you, but those who still like storing data on the locals would be at stake. By the time, they’ll be searching up the data, you’ll be starting to show up your work and reflects good management skills which is very important at this time of competition.
TYPES OF CLOUD COMPUTING SERVICES:
Cloud computing is of three types:
1.Infrastructure As a Service:
It is sometimes called as Iaas. It is the most basic category of cloud computing. Here, virtualized infrastructure is offered to the users. Companies get a benefit of storage, servers, space and some components of cloud networking using the internet service. It is the most flexible and best type of cloud service. This is a great option for small companies or businesses which cannot buy software’s at the moment. So this way, cloud computing decreases their burden.
2.Platform As a Service:
This is more specialized cloud service as compared to Iaas. This has almost everything similar to IAAS cloud computing but it offers you a framework to manage, update your software’s. But the difference is that it offers you developmental tools, operating systems and database management system to create software applications. This kind of cloud computing is used where you have multiple platforms like phones, laptops, computers, tablets etc. it reduces the time of coding as it provides you pre coded applications into the platform.
3.Software As a Service:
It is a fully developed type of cloud computing. Here, everything is managed by the third party. You need not worry about anything and just focus on how you are going to use the software. Here, you get a fully functional product that managed by the service provider you choose. Like in an email, you just have to send and receive the mails, you do not have to worry how is it going to be delivered or the maintenance. You just have to do your work and not worry about all this.
PROS AND CONS OF CLOUD COMPUTING:
Pros:
1.Easy Management:
You do not have to worry about managing your data. The management part is taken care by the server. You don’t have to waste your time over managing your data, you can give full time to your work.
2.Accessibility:
You can access to your data from any device and any place. All you just need is an internet service. If you are anywhere round the globe, you can work upon your data by just opening cloud or google drive and you are good to go.
3.Low Cost:
For business or companies, you just need to pay small amount and you get so many benefits. You do not have to buy local servers or equipment's to store or manage your data.
4.Unlimited Storage:
You get the benefit of unlimited storage. ICloud gives you 5GB of storage free but if you want you can pay and get the desired storage you want according to your need. You can also get unlimited storage if you want, if you have the need of extra storage, cloud computing gives you this benefit.
Cons:
1.Needs Internet Connection:
Using cloud computing, comes with a point that you need internet along . even the best cloud computing providers experience downtime when they lose internet connectivity.
2.Limited Control:
You have limited control over your data in cloud computing. You can only access your data from the front-end as the server is responsible for the back end functioning.