We use cloud technology every day, and the phrase “I store my data in the cloud” confuses few. Despite this, the concept itself remains vague and abstract.
In this article, we’ll look at what’s behind cloud computing, what opportunities it offers, and talk about the drawbacks and prospects of the technology.
What is cloud technology?
On the technical side, cloud technology is a way of organising physical and software tools, and a set of tools by which a user gets the computing power to perform the tasks at hand. This means that in order to do the calculations and process the information, you do not use the power of your own computer, but of a third party. For example cloud services are:
- mail: gmail, hotmail;
- remote working with documents: Google Docs, Office Web Apps;
- data storage: Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox;
- real-time image editing: Figma;
- note-taking, collaboration services: Trello, Jira, Evernote;
- online app shops: Google Play, App Store and Microsoft Store;
- cloud hosting – hosting your website in the cloud.
These services have a range of services for ordinary users and cloud solutions for businesses. In the first case, you get a minimum set of features, which is enough for everyday tasks. For an enterprise, you need a cloud service for business, because there is more functionality.
Cloud capabilities: types of services
Companies provide cloud services to businesses and individual users as a service. For convenience, types of services are referred to by acronyms. The most common ones are:
- SaaS – Software as a Service;
- PaaS – Platform as a Service;
- IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service;
- FaaS – Function as a service.
SaaS
The client uses the provider’s software, which runs on a cloud infrastructure. In this approach, client accounts are created: in emails, training courses, tools for designers, in the calendar. This makes the software available from any device.
PaaS
The client receives a computer platform, analogous to a computer with an operating system, which they use to deploy their applications.
IaaS
Assumes that the customer gets literally a piece of the cloud infrastructure in which users install the software they need. Information as a Service, provides access to a rapidly changing array of information. This includes stock quotes, exchange rates.
FaaS
Allows software products to be developed, run and managed. The main feature is that it triggers certain functions when a given condition is met.
Another difference is that the fee is not per month, but per amount of disk space used and number of operations per month, i.e. per active usage time.
Advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing
The main advantages of cloud computing are:
- The ability to work with personal accounts and data from any device;
- there is no need to save information to a flash drive or other storage device;
- multiple users can edit documents and files at the same time;
- cloud services work in a browser, so it does not matter what operating system your phone, tablet or computer is running;
- your information is stored on the cloud server, so even if your PC or phone crashes you don’t lose it;
- you have the most up-to-date version of the software: the service provider keeps it up to date;
- you can share information remotely without having to transfer a large amount of data, for example, to provide access to a folder with documents or photos;
- you do not need to buy a powerful computer for software development and deployment – use the power of the cloud and save money;
- you don’t need to be a programming and administration guru – cloud computing is available to people with experience, as well as to “dummies”.
Main disadvantages:
- You need stable internet – without it you won’t be able to use the service;
- not every product can be configured to suit your needs and objectives;
- although cloud providers protect the cloud, there is always the risk of hacking;
- many services are available for free, but it is not certain that they will always be so.
So far, the benefits of cloud technology outweigh the disadvantages and there are more benefits than risks.
Who needs the cloud?
Cloud solutions are used by small and large organisations in different areas. Their purposes are also different :
- data backup followed by data recovery;
- software development and testing;
- analysis of large amounts of information;
- email and remote desktop configuration;
- end-user application storage.
Companies are taking advantage of the cloud in different ways. Video game developers have opened up the possibility for their users to play online and communicate with each other. Financial companies are tracking fraudulent schemes in real time. Security organisations and shop owners can see what is happening on the sales floor and respond quickly. But the cloud isn’t just used for that purpose.