Cloud Computing Basics

Cloud computing is quickly becoming the new normal, and for good reason. It can save you serious money, it allows you to scale up or down effortlessly, and cloud providers typically offer excellent cybersecurity features. But every cloud has a not-so-silvery lining. 

Here’s what you need to know before you go full cloud… 

What Is Cloud Computing and How Does It Work?

Cloud computing sounds fancy, but it really isn’t. Instead of using your own hardware and software, you’re just accessing someone else’s data centers, servers, storage drives, networking equipment, and software through the internet and using it to perform a task. So you get all the benefits of powerful, enterprise-scale tools without having to maintain as much infrastructure. 

There are three types of clouds: 

• Public
• Private
• Hybrid

If you’ve used Netflix, DropBox, Microsoft 365, or Google Workspace, you’ve used the public cloud! 

Besides Cloud Cost Savings, What Else Is There? 

Once you know how it works, a lot of its benefits are fairly obvious. But there are a few more that are good to know: 

Cloud Networking = Powerful Performance 

With infrastructure like routers, firewalls, and the like in the cloud, you don’t have to have as much physical gear, but it gets better. You’ll often get faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable performance with a cloud provider. 

Cloud Security Is Good…as Long as You Use It

The cloud allows users to access your data and systems from anywhere, but with greater accessibility comes more responsibility. Cloud providers understand that they need to provide robust cybersecurity features, but it’s up to end-users to use them properly. When we start working with clients, we find that many of them are using overly permissive settings that could get them into a lot of trouble. And if your employees are susceptible to phishing scams, it’s important to provide them with proper security awareness training. But, of course, businesses should be doing that anyway. 

It’s also important to understand that on-premises solutions aren’t 100% secure either. 

The Cloud Adds Scalability

If your needs change throughout the year, or you’re growing quickly, you’re going to love this. You can typically add more users, features, bandwidth, or storage in a few clicks. In fact, some providers will track certain metrics so they can adjust their services to your changing needs automatically.

Cloud Storage Makes Recovery Easy

The cloud provides a cost-effective way to store an enormous amount of data. With scalable redundant storage, you can recover quickly and prevent any significant data loss — which can also minimize any downtime. 

Is the Cloud Right for Your Business?

With all the hype about cloud computing, it may be easy to simply jump on the bandwagon. However, “because everyone else is doing it” isn’t a good reason to implement a cloud computing solution. Determine if a cloud environment would benefit your business by downloading this checklist.

Public Cloud vs. Private Cloud vs. Hybrid Cloud

Each type of cloud solution is designed to suit different needs. This video explains these differences in an effort to help you determine which cloud type will best fit your organization. It also recaps the following questions:

• What is cloud computing?
• Do you need it?
• What options are available?

Need a More Comprehensive Introduction to Cloud Computing Models and Services?

How much does it cost? What do all the different services mean, and which is right for my company? Will my company actually benefit from cloud services? This eBook answers all of those questions and introduces the role of a services provider and the value they offer to your cloud environment.

Get Our Free Cloud Questionnaire 

Cloud computing makes many things easier and more cost-effective. But getting there can be a challenge. 

If you strongly suspect your business would benefit from using more cloud solutions, you’re welcome to download our free cloud questionnaire to learn more about your next steps!