Expert Opinion: How cloud computing can advance your business

IT experts from Stockport’s Amshire IT explain the basics of cloud computing and outline some of the benefits this new technology can bring to your business.

The term cloud computing has become increasingly well known but still, an air of mystery is frequently associated. There are common questions that you have probably heard or even thought of yourself regarding the cloud. Where is the cloud? Do I need it as a business owner? Which provider can I trust?

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing refers to technology that enables organisations to access computing resources on an as-needed basis at its core. Rather than investing in data centres, servers, and software applications, cloud computing offers pay-as-you-go pricing.

This option makes cloud a cost-effective way to access computing resources while avoiding the costs involved in maintaining and updating on-premise infrastructure. Simply view the cloud as a metaphor for the internet, where you just rent what you need.

There are three primary service models for cloud computing:

• Software as a service (SaaS) provides granted users access to software applications over the internet.
• Platform as a service (PaaS) offers access to a cloud-based infrastructure environment where businesses can develop, run, and manage new and improved business applications.
• Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) enables businesses to access computing capabilities over the web, including access to storage, additional computing power on-demand, virtual servers and networks.

Types of managed cloud services

Private cloud

A private cloud solution is a platform that is only used by one individual organisation. Due to their exclusivity, private clouds provide enhanced security with physically isolated networks, computing and storage layers.

Public cloud

A public cloud offers the same pool of virtual resources to multiple clients from the connected computing environment. Each client has their own isolated data centre, but they share the same technology infrastructure.

Hybrid Cloud

A mix of on-premise infrastructure, private cloud, and public cloud services, a hybrid cloud environment lets businesses access the benefits of both public and private cloud, along with any on-premise infrastructure they may wish to include.

Disaster recovery and cloud

Cloud-based computing offers a much-needed lifeline if anything was to happen to critical data or applications, or if anything was to happen to their premises.

Benefits of a cloud computing solution

• Cost Savings – it does not need any physical hardware investments or trained personnel to maintain the hardware.
• Competitive edge – the ability to access the latest applications any time without spending your time and money on installations will propel your organisation forward.
• Collaboration – employees across can work together securely, from anywhere in the world
• Unlimited storage capacity – you can quickly expand your storage capacity with very nominal monthly fees.
• Back-up and restore data – it is easy to recover the data through the backed-up files, which is otherwise a very time taking process on-premise.
• Automatic Software Integration – In the cloud this happens automatically with no need to take additional efforts to customize and integrate your applications as per your preferences.
• Mobility – employees can work either on the premises or remotely with easy access to all the cloud services: all they need is Internet connectivity.
• Quick Deployment – when you decide to use the cloud, your entire system can be fully functional in very few minutes.