Cloud Computing Services & Applications

Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by Andrew

In the IT world, the terms cloud and cloud computing are usually used interchangeably. Nowadays, the rapid technological progress made by cloud computing services providers suggests that more and more tasks can be outsourced to a cloud. In addition to the basic data storage, cloud services also include the purchase of applications and computing power. In this article, we will explain what a cloud is, how it works, and what sort of advantages this technology offers for businesses. 

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing includes the dynamic provision of IT resources. In most cases, the internet is used as a network, but businesses’ internal networks can also work as a cloud. Cloud computing follows the principle of an outsourcing approach and promotes the outsourcing of computing capacities. For instance, IT services such as software, storage space, or computing powers can be easily outsourced via cloud services. Thanks to this approach, the corresponding resources no longer require to be present on the local device and can be easily accessed while there is an existing network connection. The necessary services can be easily sought out using appropriate applications or interfaces (APIs).

How Does Cloud Computing Work?

Contrary to what the name might suggest, a cloud does not hide a tangible cloud. Instead, at the root of this technology is a powerful server and hardware network that is offered in the data center of a cloud provider. Cloud computing takes over tasks, including data storage and the provision of computing power, without the user identifying the underlying systems. One of the most significant advantages of this technology is that it is managed so efficiently by the cloud services provider that the failure of a single server has no direct impact on the availability of the entire system landscape. Such a thing ensures that the correct function is independent of the individual servers. The cloud is thus the overall picture of all connected servers.

Cloud computing also offers completely new approaches and helps ensure that the storage space or the mobile device performance does not turn out to be a limiting factor for applications. Instead, it allows access to data from almost anywhere in the world or to run performance-intensive programs. The only thing required is the availability of an internet connection. 

Which Service Models Can be Distinguished in Cloud Computing?

There are three basic service models for cloud computing:

• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) is an approach whereby cloud services provide users with access to virtualized computer hardware. Computers, storage, and networks can also be included under this. IaaS provides a great deal of freedom and allows users to access their computer clusters. These can be then utilized freely so that the users are only responsible for the operation and correct functioning of the installed software.

• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

With Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), cloud computing works as an access point for programming and runtime environments. The cloud offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing computing and data capacities to be dynamically adapted to various businesses’ needs. PaaS is often used in practice for the development or execution of self-developed software. The service provider also helps in providing and maintaining the appropriate software environment. 

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) represents a service model that provides users access to software collections and application programs such as inventory management software, CRM, or ERP products. In addition, special software packages are provided via the cloud. The infrastructure is managed by the cloud computing services providers and adapted to the requirements of the hosted software. In essence, cloud service providers are following an approach that makes the software available for individual businesses’ needs via cloud computing services. 

What Sorts of Delivery Models Exist in Cloud Computing?

When we consider cloud computing four basic concepts have been established within the framework.

1. The so-called public cloud signifies renting out the cloud. The cloud service providers rent out some parts of the IT infrastructure and are compensated based on actual consumption or the individual degree of use.
2. On the contrary, the private cloud ensures access to an abstracted and defined IT infrastructure. The related hardware is located within an organization and is only available to eligible employees. 
3. A combination of the aforementioned delivery model is known as a hybrid cloud. It allows access to abstract IT infrastructure from the private and public cloud and especially focuses on the requirements of the users. This cloud services delivery model is considered to be particularly flexible but is more complex than the models mentioned above.
4. Another delivery model is known as the community cloud. Within the framework of this delivery model, primarily closed user groups and so-called communities involved in the public sector are addressed. 

What Are the Benefits of Using Cloud Computing for Businesses?

Essentially, cloud computing provides access to servers, databases, storage, and applications. Everything is necessary for a functioning network connection, for instance, the internet or intranet. All the necessary hardware is managed by the cloud service providers and made available with the help of appropriate web applications. 

This approach provides several benefits, including:

1. The global reach of resources 
2. Requirement-based provision of capacities 
3. Pay-per-use models facilitate requirement-based billing 
4. Minimization of high investment costs
5. Capital needed for developing own server and infrastructure is eliminated
6. Improving the agility and speed of operations 

About the Company

Trigent is among the early pioneers in IT outsourcing and offshore software development business. We enable businesses to adopt digital processes and customer engagement models to achieve outstanding results and end-user experience.