Cloud computing is an emerging technology in the evolution of the Internet; is a growing trend in the IT and business world today as it offers a host of benefits via the Web from one central location. Cloud-based services, in fact, can meet most business demands for scalability, flexibility, and productivity.
Cloud Adoption: Why Make The Change?
The main reason for the transition to cloud computing is cost savings. Many companies are onboarding as the cloud architecture allows them to access technology-enabled services without having to upgrade their hardware and software, maintaining and upgrading a complex IT infrastructure, and without the need for a full IT team on board. . Migration to cloud architecture can be facilitated by pre-existing IT resources (applications or programs) online that can be accessed via the Internet; services can be provided by external companies.
Deployment models: which one to choose?
There are decisions to be made when it comes to adopting a cloud solution. The deployment of different models depends on the needs of each company. Businesses can choose to have a private cloud and use a virtualized data center within their firewall and still maintain control over sensitive data and their own infrastructure, security, and governance. Otherwise, for companies that can outsource their data management, there is a public cloud solution that offers a virtualized data center outside of the firewall. This option involves going off-site to a third-party provider that provides services over the network. If chosen, a company will not own the equipment as it is hosted in the cloud environment.
Needs that cannot be met by a public or private cloud alone can be met by adopting hybrid cloud architectures, which combines public and private cloud services and can offer the benefits of both deployment models.
Cloud service models: what is the right solution?
The three most basic cloud service models are infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). Each model defines the type of service that the cloud provides to users, either through a monthly subscription or pay-per-use, where companies pay for what they actually use.
- IaaS: An IaaS provider in the cloud offers virtual machines and servers, as well as the use of other network resources, such as firewalls and load balancers, and even storage. The provider hosts the application software on the cloud infrastructure. It is a solution for those who need computing memory, storage and / or bandwidth. It benefits users who opt for a public cloud and want to share resources.
With IaaS, it is the provider, not the user, who is responsible for maintaining, executing the delivery of hardware and network resources. Instead, the user manages and controls the components of the cloud service they need. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a popular public cloud IaaS provider.
- PaaS: In this model, the cloud provider delivers the computing platform, the web server, and the database so that the user does not have to buy or manage them. This is ideal for those who want to develop and run their software solutions on a cloud platform and make them available to users of the platform. It is a good solution for web and application developers.
With PaaS, the user has access to a programming or runtime environment where it is possible to use development tools and run cloud service applications on a cloud platform. An example of this type of service is Windows Azure, a Microsoft cloud application platform.
- SaaS – Provides “software on demand” from the cloud provider. Applications / programs are controlled and run on the provider’s infrastructure. This offers a solution that eliminates the need to install and run your own software on site. It is ideal for those who do not want the burden of being responsible for maintenance and upgrades. SaaS is a suitable option for those who need a solution for customer relationship management (CRM) or to simplify networking and information exchange.
With SaaS, cloud-based application software is provided as a service. The cloud provider maintains the application programs. An example of this type of service is Office 365. Additionally, Salesforce.com offers a SaaS cloud-based approach.
Cloud computing can bring many benefits, as mentioned, to companies that need state-of-the-art technology but cannot invest heavily in their IT infrastructure. Adoption of cloud services offers a cost reduction strategy, enables greater agility, and provides value-added components. There are some deterrents – privacy and security concerns, for example – that are holding back the widespread adoption of cloud computing and cloud computing-based services, private or public, as well as hybrids.
