What is cloud computing: Its uses, myths, and benefits

Wondering if cloud computing could be right for your business? Cloud computing is a buzzword that has dominated the IT industry in recent years. With over 50% of the world’s corporate data being stored in the cloud, it has become a popular practice for businesses across the world. 

Cloud computing involves the use of extensive digital capabilities delivered through the internet by organisations to operate and innovate. It removes the requirement for businesses to host digital applications on their servers.

There is a variety of cloud computing options available to fit every kind of business. Below are some short descriptions of these. However, get in touch our team for a more detailed explanation and which option would be best suited for your business.

Different Types of Cloud Solutions

• Public cloud: This solution is delivered via shared infrastructure. This infrastructure includes public internet connections and virtualised server environments. This type of cloud can house data from more than one company.
• Private cloud: This can be delivered by either in-house or outsourced mechanisms. However, it means access through a private internet connection and dedicated server usage is required, whereby only one company uses the hardware.
• Hybrid cloud: When a combination of both private and public clouds is used it creates a hybrid cloud. Organisations use it because different applications have different security requirements or are less crucial for business operations. Additionally, the public cloud offers a cheaper solution when data security is not as critical.
• IaaS: This is when the physical infrastructure is outsourced to a third party. It allows for the greatest amount of control and power over both hardware and software. It is a cost-effective method for businesses. This is because it eliminates large upfront payments for hardware, and wages for skilled labour to install, maintain, and update.
• SaaS: SaaS Products are the most commonly used cloud computing services. SaaS is highly scalable and simple to use and manage. Additionally, rental is paid on a user basis. It is the most commonly used cloud service used by businesses as it offers a simple solution to the cloud.
• PaaS: This service provides businesses with access to a cloud-based platform for developing and hosting applications. This enables developers to easily customise and update apps without worrying about backend software maintenance. 

7 Common Myths about the Cloud

Even though cloud computing has become increasingly popular in recent years, there are still myths circulating about it. These common misconceptions about the cloud are some of the reasons companies are reluctant to transfer to the cloud and prevent them from capturing the full benefits available. All of these can be debunked.

• The value of the cloud is mostly in cost reduction
• Cloud computing is more expensive than in-house computing.
• On-premises datacentres are far more secure than the cloud
• Cloud applications run slower
• The cloud removes the need for infrastructure

Myth #1 The number 1 advantage of switching to the cloud is cost reduction
While one of the main benefits of cloud solutions is the cost savings for businesses, many organisations forget about the broader impact cloud computing can have on transforming an IT infrastructure and the business overall.

Using the cloud to its fullest potential can improve almost every aspect of your organisation’s processes, services, or products. It allows businesses to operate smoothly while ensuring your business does not get distracted by IT operations. As a result, your organisation can concentrate on its core operations and goals, which will help increase business productivity in the long run.

Some other benefits of cloud solutions for businesses include:

• Location independence: As cloud services are accessed via the internet, users can access data stored in the cloud from anywhere if they have an internet connection.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Businesses can easily scale up or down because they are not tied to physical server capacity. Therefore, they can choose from various delivery mechanisms, applications, and features monthly.
• Software Updates: Some cloud options include software licensing and update management. As a result, it provides greater simplicity.
• Disaster Recovery and Resiliency: A data centre service includes 24-hour monitoring and backups of data. Large purpose-built facilities also provide hosting as a service. These are built with resilience and include features like backup power generators and gas fire suppression systems in emergencies. This facilitates effective disaster recovery and ensures business continuity.
• Security: Private clouds have high levels of security ensuring that all your data is kept safe.

Myth #2 Cloud computing is more expensive than in-house computing
Many companies that have moved to the cloud have experienced cost benefits from cloud computing, as mentioned above. However, to achieve these cost benefits, businesses must make the most of what the cloud offers and implement solutions properly.

Myth #3 On-premises datacentres are far more secure than the cloud
One of the main barriers to businesses adopting cloud solutions is the security concerns of public cloud infrastructure. However, over recent years there have been significant investments by cloud providers in underlying security capabilities, which has made the public cloud more secure. Additionally, as security levels of types of cloud vary, if you have highly sensitive information, there is always the option of a private cloud where security is very high.

Myth #4 Cloud applications run slower
Some businesses are concerned that when they migrate to the cloud, they may face higher latency on a cloud’s network than on their own. Despite this common misconception, apps can run as fast and reliably in the cloud as it does on the premise. 

Myth #5 The cloud removes the need for infrastructure
The concept of infrastructure as a service (IaaS), in which an external supplier manages your underlying network, hardware, and resources, is appealing to many businesses. The misunderstanding occurs when organisations view IaaS as a complete substitute for their entire infrastructure. While the cloud drastically alters the activities, expertise, and operating model required in an internal infrastructure group, it does not eliminate the requirement for infrastructure management.