The Cloud is a term that is increasingly known and widely used, but understanding of its definition varies. In this article, we will explain the Cloud with a clear but not-too-technical approach. We also aim to reassure readers concerning certain myths associated with the Cloud.
What is the Cloud?
First of all, it is important to know what the Cloud is. Also called Cloud Computing, it is in fact a multitude of computer servers located all over the globe and linked to a network (the Internet).
Indeed, using Cloud technology requires a connection to the Internet. The Cloud allows data to be stored and made accessible at any time, 24 hours a day, to those who have access rights, anywhere in the world. This technology thus offers great flexibility
As opposed to an on-premise solution, the Cloud allows companies house servers off-premises, and to pay according to the use they make of the Cloud. This gives them the chance to reduce costs, since servers are usually very expensive and require dedicated expertise to maintain and configure.
Many companies offer Cloud services, but three are best-known to the general public. Google, Amazon and Microsoft offer Cloud services for the PaaS and IaaS models. When it comes to the SaaS model, many companies are doing well.
It would be incorrect to assume that Cloud Computing is not secure. In fact, when the system is well-configured from the outset and there are several layers of protection to ensure cybersecurity, we can achieve any level of safety we desire. Unfortunately, data leaks still occur; human error is the cause in most cases, but this is not a general disadvantage to be associated with the Cloud.
The 3 Cloud Models
Without getting too technical, it is important to explain that there are three Cloud models. They are all efficient and secure, but we advise different models according to the business needs that the customers present us.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
This is probably the model most well-known to the general public because it takes full responsibility for the software infrastructure. In SaaS mode, if the user has a login, a password and access to the Internet, he or she can connect to applications hosted on a Cloud. Netflix, Microsoft 365 and Mailchimp are all examples of SaaS applications.
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
PaaS is a little less turnkey than SaaS since it only hosts the necessary infrastructure. On the other hand, this service often allows you to get the maximum benefit from Cloud solutions, and includes the servers as well as the operating systems and the different tools to build your solution.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
This model is the most complex, essentially using virtual infrastructure. It is often only IT administrators and network managers who can step in and change the data and infrastructure of the IaaS model.
You don’t have to make a big leap all at once. There are hybrid solutions that allow you to get a foot in the Cloud while keeping servers in the enterprise and dealing with legacy elements. This is a fairly common method before making a full transition.
What are the Cloud’s advantages?
The main impact of the Cloud is the simplification of business processes and easy self-service access to data. Cloud technology is robust and and offers a user experience (UX) designed to be intuitive and easy to use.
There are many benefits that are important to focus on during a project, and here are the main ones:
Scalibility and Flexibility
Cloud Computing opens new opportunities for innovation because it is virtually limitless. Companies can thus be very creative and dynamic in deploying new ideas. The allocation of additional resources is considerably simplified in the event of strong demand or changing business needs.
This technology also offers great flexibility and agility to companies that use it, as well as to their employees. The continuous availability of the database makes it possible to work remotely – just what Digital Nomads need!
Pay-Per-Use
The Cloud requires little upfront investment. Users pay as they use it with a monthly subscription. So with the scaling features, you have a product that is perfectly suited to business needs. One of the beauties of the Cloud: companies don’t have their hands tied by the service.
Better Communication Between Applications
The Cloud is rich in features that enable interactions between software. Communication between applications makes it easier to carry out tests and work with different types of device. Updates are carried out in real time, ensuring better performance. So merging and integrating systems is really, really simplified.
Geographic Redundancy
Geographic redundancy for backups ensures that data can be accessed at any time, even if a fire breaks the servers. The risk of losing data is therefore greatly reduced.
How does Uzinakod integrate the Cloud into its services?
At Uzinakod, our goal is to help companies modernize and simplify their workflows. For us, the Cloud is a commonly-used technology, but we can also work on a company’s own servers. We use the various Cloud models and feature-rich service offerings to provide our clients with creative and dynamic solutions based on their business needs.
The Cloud allows us to deploy what has been coded, but does not limit us to this. When we integrate this technology with IoT (Internet of Things, Azure IoT) or AI (Artificial Intelligence, Azure AI), our Cloud-hosted solutions seem to come alive and the possibilities are endless! We are able to connect different software, applications and technologies to power businesses.
Uzinakod is a Microsoft Partner. We mainly use the Microsoft Azure platform, but each project is unique and the architecture chosen must serve the business needs.
For the final word, we must remember that the Cloud is secure, well thought-out, and allows companies to innovate and simplify business processes. Contact us to learn about the different Cloud solutions we offer, and imagine your solutions for tomorrow!
