What is Cloud Computing?

What is Cloud Computing?

Technology is continuously evolving and businesses can take advantage of this to become more efficient. Greater efficiency typically results in higher profits. One of the most significant advances in business technology is Cloud Computing. While virtual workspace is not new, the extent to which it is now being applied is quite innovative. You may be asking yourself, just what is Cloud Computing? It is a combination of sophisticated web-based software solutions and hardware that is managed by third-party providers. Cloud services require businesses to rely on virtual servers which are where all of your data as well as the software applications you use are stored. Benefits of this technology include:
  • Being able to access your data from any device that is connected to the Internet
  • Your data is no longer at risk by being on someone’s laptop or even your company’s intranet
So, exactly what is the Cloud? The Cloud is a combination of technologies and services that enable delivery of computing services using the Internet, allowing users instant access to applications and data from pretty much any device that has Internet access. The term is derived from historical diagrams of telephone and networking systems. Probably the best way to understand this technology is to think of it as if it were a public utility. It is available on-demand as long as you can access its source. Instead of purchasing the actual item (i.e. software and hardware), you buy access to that same resource from an online service. From an economy of scales perspective, this is not only smart business financially but it saves time that would have to otherwise be allocated to IT needs.

Public vs. Private Cloud

There are two primary types of services: public and private. Using Public Cloud Computing services generally means you are completely reliant on a third party for access to your information. Public Cloud-based services are often free. If you do have to pay a fee, it will still be less than traditional IT costs. The term “public” is not intended, in any way, to suggest that your data can be accessed by just anyone. You are still guaranteed privacy and confidentiality. Choosing Private Cloud Computing allows you to control data and access from within your own business. As a result, you do not have to worry as much about security issues which can be problematic for certain types of businesses because of legal constraints like privacy and cyber laws. Private Cloud-based services also eliminate concerns associated with network bandwidth. Unlike Public Cloud-based services, you have complete control over the infrastructure or architecture of your Cloud Virtualization server.

How Does the Cloud Work?

Your specific needs should dictate the type of Cloud-based service you purchase. The Cloud Computing architecture you use will be comprised of several different layers and options. The ability to compute on the Cloud server requires interaction between you, the Cloud-based service platform and the server where your data is stored. This requires a direct connection between the user and the Cloud. It is the architecture that determines how the various components interact with one another. The way models of Cloud-based services work vary. A common one includes software that multiple users can access. You purchase a license for software as a service (SaaS) which is then made available on demand so you can use it when you need it. If you need a more flexible environment, then platform as a service (PaaS) may be more appropriate for your needs. You have the ability to develop exactly what you need since it integrates programming functions with application software. All Cloud-based services include some level of infrastructure as a service (IaaS) which is especially useful since it includes all standardized options such as storage and computing functions. With this option, you no longer have to purchase your own servers or software. Rather, you use those that are available through the Cloud-based service.

The Cloud is Scalable

Cloud Computing systems are often customized to meet the specific needs of individual businesses. A main advantage for business owners is that each system is scalable. This is referred to as elasticity. Cost savings are quickly realized by not having to constantly upgrade hardware and software. You also benefit from other basic tenets of Cloud-based computing. For example, since it is a measured service you only pay for what you need. One reason this is possible is because of the ability of service providers to pool resources using a multi-client platform. It is essentially an on-demand service you can access when necessary and you are billed accordingly. Hopefully you can now answer the question at hand, what is Cloud? In our mobile world, it just makes sense to use the Internet to access data and computing functions instead of relying on personal laptops or computers. Businesses can now truly be global. Knowing what is Cloud Computing technology must be a priority for every business that wants to be successful!

Solar VPS: Everything Cloud Computing and So Much More

You see, here at Solar VPS, we have this little guy floating around all the time named Cosmo. Cosmo is our space man. He looks really friendly and really happy but underneath his helmet, Cosmo is a task master who doesn’t mess around. For this reason, when our team of IT engineers said they were done building our Cloud with multiple pods and high-tech hypervisors, Cosmo said no. When our IT Engineers said but everything can be customized, Cosmo demanded add-ons. And so, we added Cloud add-ons. This is what our Cloud offers:
  • Email Hosting
  • SolarRay Website Uptime Monitoring
  • cPanel VPS Control Panel
  • Parallels Plesk VIrtual Private Server Control Panel
  • Softaculous One Click Script Installer
Beyond these options, Cosmo demanded our clients have access to Softaculous One Click WordPress, Joomla etc. installs. The truth is, we are currently working on these great blogging one click installs, but once they are done, Cosmo mandated we allow our customers to select from over 200 different one click installs. Cosmo is a tough cookie but he is always looking out for you. This being said, we are still surprised when we get the following question:

Wait? Why do I need Solar VPS? Can’t I just use DropBox?

DropBox, for all intensive purposes, is a great Cloud storage application. For Cloud storage and in some ways, Cloud security, DropBox is a phenomenal solution for personal consumers and individual salesmen working as a on-the-road team. But for true enterprise level Cloud security, DropBox isn’t the choice. To get full Cloud security, full Cloud servers, full Cloud solutions, Solar VPS has what you need. From full customization (specifications, Linux and Windows VPS operating systems and add-ons) to a highly trained team of IT Engineers fielding your tech issues to our loveable task master, Cosmo, Solar VPS is the Cloud you need because as our masthead says, we are hosting beyond the Cloud.