Cloud technologies have radically changed the data processing and storage approach, offering the world a new level of flexibility and accessibility. These technologies allow users to store files and utilize computing power over the internet without worrying about physical servers and infrastructure.
Previously, all information was stored on a computer, and devices like USB flash drives or disks facilitated data transfer. Subsequently, services such as Dropbox, Google One, and Microsoft Office 365 emerged. Thanks to cloud technologies, it is now possible to open the same file on different devices simultaneously.
Thus, users have gained access to a platform, often called cloud, where they can do anything from storing photos to building their own IT infrastructure.
The article will provide more details on cloud technologies and their benefits for businesses. Avenga, a global IT engineering and consulting platform that benefits clients through customized software solutions, will help us navigate.
Types of сloud technologies
Cloud technologies are diverse and can be classified into four main types, each with unique features and applications.
Public clouds
In public clouds, computing resources are leased and used by multiple clients. These clouds are ideally suited for development and testing, and can also serve as backup platforms. They provide rapid scalability and elasticity, allowing companies to adapt to changing demands without significant capital investments.
Private clouds
Private clouds are explicitly created for a single organization, providing a high level of control and security. This is the ideal option for storing confidential information or hosting mission-critical applications, where complete isolation and the ability to customize to specific business requirements are necessary.
Hybrid clouds
Hybrid clouds combine elements of both public and private clouds, offering businesses flexibility in choosing where to place various applications and data. Companies can use the public cloud for less sensitive applications, while more critical systems can be hosted in a private cloud or on-premises servers.
Community clouds
This type of cloud, also known as a multi-cloud, allows companies to utilize services from various cloud providers. It offers the advantages of choosing the best conditions, access to cutting-edge technologies, the ability to scale resources rapidly, and minimizing the risks associated with the failure of critical systems.
Main service models of cloud technologies
Depending on their needs and objectives, businesses can choose the following cloud services:
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): this model allows the renting of essential computing resources, such as servers, data storage, and network resources. Clients pay based on actual usage and can fully control their infrastructure and scale resources according to their needs. Examples include Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and GigaCloud;
- PaaS (Platform as a Service): provides clients with platforms for developing, testing, delivering, and managing applications without worrying about maintaining the infrastructure. This accelerates the development process and allows developers to focus on software creation. Examples of PaaS platforms include AWS Elastic Beanstalk and OpenShift;
- SaaS (Software as a Service): perhaps the most well-known model, where the cloud service provider offers access to applications over the internet, typically on a subscription basis. Having access to programs through a browser, users do not necessarily need to install applications on their devices. Examples include Microsoft 365.
How cloud computing works for business
Cloud services represent a powerful tool that can be adapted to the needs of businesses of various scales and fields of activity.
Enhancing efficiency and reducing costs
Cloud solutions enable businesses to reduce expenses on purchasing and maintaining their infrastructure. Startups, for example, can use Platform as a Service (PaaS) to rapidly develop and test their applications, avoiding costs associated with building and maintaining infrastructure. Larger companies adopt Software as a Service (SaaS) to cut expenses on software licenses and technical support.
Flexibility and scalability
Cloud services provide businesses with flexibility, allowing them to scale resources according to current needs quickly.This is particularly crucial for companies facing peak workloads or seasonal fluctuations in demand.
Collaboration and remote work
The cloud facilitates effective collaboration among different departments and enables employees to work remotely, providing access to necessary resources and tools from anywhere in the world.
Use cases of cloud technologies for business
Let’s consider several straightforward scenarios of using cloud solutions for business:
- backup storage;
- utilizing the cloud to create a disaster recovery site;
- platform for peak loads;
- deployment environment for high-demand projects;
- entire infrastructure migration: a comprehensive shift to cloud technologies fully unleashes their potential, optimizing and innovatively transforming all business processes.
Migrating business infrastructure to the cloud
Implementing cloud migration requires careful planning and execution. Developing an effective strategy helps companies optimize their IT resources and expand their business capabilities. Here are the main steps of a cloud strategy:
- analysis of the current infrastructure and defining migration goals;
- selection of a cloud service provider and platform (considering various factors such as performance, security, regulatory compliance, and cost);
- development of a migration plan (should include the sequence of data and application transfer, configuration of cloud services, as well as testing and verification of migration success);
- data security and contingency planning.
A cloud strategy aligns the technological capabilities of the cloud with strategic business plans, ensuring their synergy and accelerating goal achievement. It allows companies to create flexible and scalable cloud solutions tailored to their specific needs and objectives.
Overall, the cloud migration strategy and its implementation open up new opportunities for innovation, cost reduction, and business efficiency improvement. By establishing a solid strategy and clear vision, businesses can transition old systems, develop innovative cloud-based applications, and overhaul their processes.
If you’ve decided to move your business to the cloud, the best way is to engage professional consultants, such as Avenga. They will help you select the right service and tailor it to your objectives.
