What is Cloud Computing?

Chances are, you're using cloud computing services without even realizing it.

Uber, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Dropbox, WhatsApp, cloud photo storage that saves precious space on your phone, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook...

According to Statista, UK users use cloud to...

• 43% store files and photos
• 40% use online applications to create office documents
• 32% back up smart phones or computers
• 40% ‘none of the above’ (could include an element of gaming seeing as there are 47.6 million gamers in the UK!)

All of these services we take for granted use Cloud Computing. But, what is it?

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing offers the delivery of computer services to consumers and organisations of all sizes with subscription based or pay-as-you-go options.

‘The cloud’ refers to the internet that acts as the invisible cable that connects everything with physical and virtual servers across the globe.

The Cloud stores databases, software, virtual backups, virtual desktops, email, and customer web-facing applications, to name a few.

According to Tech Journal, by 2025, 80% of businesses are expected to move to the cloud, while 84% will use a multi-cloud approach. 

What are the different types of Cloud Computing services?

1. Software as a service (SaaS)

On-demand hosted services that provide access to business applications like Dropbox, Salesforce, Google GSuite, Amazon Prime, Uber, and Netflix.

2. Platform as a service (PaaS)

Web-based services and deployment of applications in the cloud, such as Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure, AWS Lambda, Stripe, and PayPal.

3. Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

Virtualised computing resources over the internet, which often offer storage: AWS (Amazon Website Storage), Google Cloud Infrastructure, Google Compute Engine, and more.

What are the key features of Cloud Computing?

• Resource Pooling: or serving multiple customers or ‘tenants’ at any one time with scalable services that can be adjusted to suit the end user who remains blissfully unaware of any changes. No one wants a continually buffering new series of their favourite show on Netflix or Prime Video! 
• Easy Maintenance: Cloud computing has no downtime perceived by the user
• Economical: Cost is based on actual consumption which is a winner for both consumers and businesses!
• Security: Cloud service providers take security measures to protect sensitive data that’s in transit by taking a snapshot of it, so that even if a server gets damaged, the data will not get lost. Bonus! Data security methods include virtual private networks, encryption, and masking.
• Automatic Service: means an organisation doesn't need to spend the time and resources monitoring, controlling, or reporting the usage of these services in their business. Less admin is always a win!

What are the Advantages of Cloud Computing?

• Data Backup: Save yourself time and stress by using the cloud to backup data so you don’t have rely on your device nor do it manually
• Access data anywhere: In the current climate with the changes from Covid-19; environments have become hybrid with more businesses and organisations adopting the ‘work from home’ ethos. Data is easily accessed wherever you are whilst collaborating securely and conveniently around the world (think Slack or Basecamp). All you need is WIFI connection
• Low cost: From a B2B perspective there’s no need to spend on server infrastructure, in-house storage, or worry about sick pay or holidays because cloud computing is automated! 
• Reliable
• High Speed
• Unlimited storage capacity 

Now for the flip side.

What are the disadvantages of Cloud Computing?

• Lack of control: how the platform, interface or data storage set up looks or functions may be a challenge for larger business with complex or unique storage needs or there may be scheduled maintenance right in the middle of a time-sensitive project
• Migration difficulty: In our experience we find people are either team Google Drive or Dropbox. Once you are with a particular cloud storage provider, you may find it difficult to migrate data
• Internet failure: Cloud computing does need an internet connection so internet failure could impact on a business that relies on cloud storage
• Lack of support: You may find need to troubleshoot immediately. Who doesn’t love a handy Chat function? Reality is, there may be a 2-3 day (or more!) wait via email for a pressing issue
• Security: Cloud computing requires you to store information with a third-party company so there is an element of faith needed for your data storage security

So, what is the future of Cloud Computing?

At Firebrand, we predict that:

• Data Storage Capacity will vastly increase due to demand
• Multi-Cloud: Referring to the presence of more than one cloud service (public or private) with each service being sourced from different cloud vendors allowing you to shape your cloud use more specifically to your life or business. We’ll see even more stringent security measures in cloud computing integrating security with AI to automate threat detection and prevention
• Backup and Disaster Recovery: Rapyder.com reports that 15% of the cloud budget is allocated to Backup and Disaster Recovery, which is the highest budget allocation followed by AI. This is a good thing! 
• Public Cloud Computing: According to Gartner there’ll be an increase in physical stores and service providers, along with websites integrating public cloud computing in their operations saving on time and resources for both the organisation and end user
• An Economical Future: This is where we’re headed if the trend continues to grow as it has. Data saved in the cloud would be examined by AI without the need for human intervention promising lower expenses

Are you ready for Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is rapidly evolving, as everyone needs to access data anytime, anywhere. But, are you as a professional ready? Is your company ready?

For the past twelve years in a row, we’ve been named one of the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World. We offer accelerated courses in all aspects of cloud computing. Perhaps one of them is right for you? Check this out.