Cloud computing - what is it? Types of cloud computing?

Cloud computing is a modern technology for storing, processing and managing data. Cloud computing services include data storage, applications, and virtual servers. The cloud computing model allows IT resources to be scaled depending on needs, which means that companies can flexibly expand their IT systems as they develop.

Applications of cloud computing

Cloud computing is an excellent tool for both large and small enterprises. It allows you to easily store large amounts of data and share them quickly. Cloud computing also allows you to scale services as needed - you can expand your cloud environment whenever you want. Additionally, cloud computing also means price flexibility - you can only pay for what you actually use. What are the applications of cloud computing? Most often, cloud computing is used to store and share data. It enables the processing of a lot of data in real time, which allows companies to respond to customer needs faster. Cloud computing is also an ideal platform for creating applications - it provides everyone with an additional tool to create and run applications without having to incur large financial outlays. Cloud computing is the most flexible solution when it comes to performing IT tasks - you can scale this service at any time.

Types of cloud computing

The differences between the types of cloud computing depend on the owner of the system, the way he provides resources and services and the way they are used. What types of cloud computing are there?

Private cloud – the owner of a private cloud computing is one organization. The infrastructure is handled by an external supplier or internal IT department. The company does not share its private cloud with other users.
Public cloud – a solution in which machines and resources physically belong to an external provider – for example Google. The provider provides the company with ready-made cloud services.
Hybrid cloud – a combination of public cloud services with a private cloud or your own server. This solution allows you to store critical data on private servers.
Multi-cloud – is a model of using the services of two public clouds at the same time.

What are the advantages of cloud computing?

Cloud computing has many advantages, such as scalability, availability and efficiency.

Scalability means that your services can be flexibly adapted to business needs - you can get more or less computing resources and memory without having to modernize your IT infrastructure.

Additionally, the cloud offers quick availability - you don't have to wait for software installation or server creation. The cloud also provides efficient processing of large amounts of data.

Cloud computing offers flexibility so you can customize your services depending on your needs.

The cloud is also economical - it allows you to minimize costs and optimize performance, which allows you to reduce overall costs.

Cloud computing also has significant advantages over traditional methods of creating software and servers - a faster pace of implementation and a faster pace of service expansion.

What are the disadvantages of cloud computing?

However, despite all the advantages of cloud computing, there are also some disadvantages.
Cloud computing is a solution that requires us to have access to the network. If we are in a place where we do not have access to any network infrastructure, cloud computing will be unavailable to us. Additionally, cloud service providers do not always offer the levels of security and privacy that allow sensitive company information to be stored. Another potential disadvantage is that if the cloud provider experiences technical issues, our applications or platforms may be impacted. However, despite these disadvantages, cloud computing is still a beneficial solution compared to traditional systems.

Cloud computing service models

Providers enable the use of cloud computing services in several models: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

IaaS model (Infrastructure as a Service) – In the IaaS model, the machines belong to the service provider, and the user can use shared cloud services and resources. It is an online infrastructure - without the need to build your own server room and operate physical machines.
PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) model – in this type of model, the service provider is responsible for handling mass storage, network or servers. The user (usually a developer) receives access to the environment
SaaS (Software as a Service) model – it is a cloud solution, also called a cloud application. It is a ready-made tool made available via a public network, most often in a subscription model.

Cloud computing – examples

Examples of cloud computing include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure , Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft 365 . Each of them offers data storage services and various scalable features that can be useful for companies and individual users.