As the market size and usage of cloud computing increases year on year, business owners and key decision-makers are keen to find out what cloud computing exactly is and what the benefits are for their organisation.
Whether it’s the fact it can provide a cost-effective way to increase the scalability of a business or that it offers industry-leading cyber and cloud security, cloud computing is a highly agile technological solution that is currently helping millions of businesses across the globe with their IT problems.
In this beginner’s guide, we explain exactly what cloud computing is, the different types of cloud computing available to organisations in the UK and the key benefits of switching your business to a cloud-based solution.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing in simple terms is the on-demand availability of computer systems such as computing and data storage, power and databases through a pay-as-you-go pricing system. Available to businesses in the UK and further afield, it offers organisations of all sizes and types a cost-effective solution to a variety of computing problems.
As the name suggests, cloud computing is a solution that isn’t physically in your office or building – it is powered in other locations across the globe by providers such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Cloud computing eliminates the need to buy a boxed software product or physical servers and replaces it with a subscription service.
Public cloud
Public clouds are defined as computing services offered by third-party providers over the public Internet, making them available to businesses who want to use or purchase them. They may be free or sold on-demand, allowing customers to pay only per usage for the services they consume.
An example of a public cloud solution is Microsoft 365.
Private cloud
A private cloud refers to cloud computing systems used solely by a single business, organisation or individual. A private cloud is one in which the services and infrastructure are maintained on a private network, which would require a personalised setup.
An example of a private cloud solution is Microsoft Azure.
Hybrid cloud
Simply put, a hybrid cloud is a combination of a public and private cloud. It refers to a mixed computing solution, as your business may require an on-premises cloud infrastructure (private) and a public cloud system for an effective email solution.
Types of cloud computing services available
There are two types of cloud computing that are typically deployed across a workforce. One is called Software as a Service (SaaS) and the other is called Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
There is a third type of cloud computing which is Platform as a Service (PaaS) and we’ve included an explanation of PaaS below:
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service (SaaS) users subscribe to a cloud application rather than purchasing it once and installing it. Individual users can log into and use a SaaS application from any compatible device over the Internet, meaning it is a great solution for remote workers.
If someone leaves, the license is no longer chargeable; if someone joins, the new license is only chargeable from the day it is activated.
An example of an SaaS product is web-based email.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
In an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model, a cloud provider hosts the infrastructure components that are typically present in an on-premises data centre. This can include servers, storage and networking hardware.
IaaS can reduce and even eliminate the need for physical servers and is also beneficial to companies that need a temporary server solution because they want to host and test a new software application.
An example of an IaaS product is a virtual server.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
For businesses and organisations that are developing and deploying applications, there are cloud-based solutions which provide a complete framework that developers can use, and it’s called Platform as a Service (PaaS).
PaaS provides all the elements that you get from an IaaS solution including virtual servers, data storage and networking security, but crucially it also includes middleware such as development tools, business intelligence services, database management systems along with other tools.
Benefits of moving to the cloud
As businesses embrace cloud computing technologies, they are taking advantage of a long list of benefits. Not only does a cloud-based solution provide a technological advantage for employees, but it also offers business owners and key decision-makers financial savings.
Productivity
If you’ve worked with computers, there’s a strong chance you will have experienced downtime or problems with your PC. Switching to a cloud computing solution helps eliminate potential problems your employees may face on a day-to-day basis, which in turn can lead to an increase in staff productivity. In this age of remote and hybrid working, cloud technology enables staff to work anywhere from any device boosting their productivity.
Scalability
Business owners and managers will often be faced with scalability issues in a business and technological sense. Upgrading your computing infrastructure to a cloud-based service offers the benefit of only paying for what you use, so as your organisation changes you can easily turn your subscriptions up or down. In addition to this, having an off-site system provides your IT engineers less maintenance and updates to carry out meaning you can scale your business to previously unimaginable heights.
Security
Cloud computing has developed immensely since its introduction in the 1990s, with it now providing unparalleled security. Cloud providers continuously review and enhance, deploying updates and patches without you needing to worry, which in turn keeps your business at the forefront of data security.
Other benefits
- Saves financial resources
- Highly agile and adaptable
- Quick, easy and secure to setup
- Provides businesses of all types and sizes with an industry-leading computing system
Summary
With businesses moving across to a cloud-based computing system, it’s difficult for organisations that don’t make the leap to keep up with competitors in a fast-paced technological space.
If your company requires a system to be implemented, Westlake IT’s approach to cloud computing is to combine business acumen with technical expertise. Our Cloud migration projects are professionally managed from Initiation, through Planning and Execution.
To find out how your business can make the switch to the cloud, see how our experts can help.
