Cloud computing is an essential element for almost all online services. Services such as: servers, storage, software, and networking depend heavily on cloud computing in order to be delivered to people via the cloud. If you are a user of computers and the internet then you probably use cloud computing on a daily basis. The idea behind the Cloud Computing concept is all about outsourcing computer programs from a provider to users through the cloud. This means that users all over the world can access applications and services no matter where they are and no matter which device they are using, all they have to do is be connected to the cloud. There are many companies around the globe that offer cloud computing services. These companies charge based on cloud usage just like the electricity company charges its clients. Cloud computing allows you to enjoy all the services the internet has to offer: e-mailing, Netflix streaming, online games, and many other fundamental services you use daily would have never been possible if it wasn’t for cloud computing.

Technology has been rapidly developing cloud computing services and depending on them for service delivery and profit. We can provide you with many examples of this rapid development. Cloud computing services became essential and gained millions of users all over the world, these services have also generated millions of dollars for their company providers. Netflix, iCloud, and Google Drive are examples of cloud computing services that have been developing rapidly and simultaneously with the development of the cloud computing concept. Cloud computing services are continuously developing and technology analysts are confident this development will get more advanced on mobile devices to allow users to collaborate and use all the services they need on mobile devices.

Storage is one of the most important services that come with cloud computing. The advantage that cloud computing gives its users is that they don’t have to worry about anything related to software or hardware. The storage service they use will guarantee the safety of their files and all they will have to do is save usernames or emails and passwords.

The importance of cloud computing services does not only lie in personal usage. Many companies and businesses all over the world depend on cloud computing to deliver services that will allow them to manage their data and daily operations. Customer Relationship Management (for instance Dynamics CRM), human resources, accounting, online shops, email validation services and much more and many more services can’t be delivered without cloud computing. ‘Almost every organization, large or small, regardless of the industry, requires cloud solutions to ensure smooth business processes. Moreover, implemented cloud solutions always have great return on investments’ share popular Dynamics CRM consultants from Tricension.

Types of Cloud Computing Services:

There are three (3) major types of cloud computing services: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). These types of cloud computing services are interrelated and dependent on one another. Which is why being able to define each one of them and know how it works will allow you to take the most of what cloud computing has to offer for you and your business.

Infrastructures as a Service (IaaS):

With this type of cloud computing, you get IT infrastructure from a provider with all the elements you need to run your business. This IT infrastructure includes servers, Virtual Machines (VMs), networking, operating systems, and storage… The provider also takes care of all backup, security, and maintenance operations. This type of cloud computing has many benefits as it saves its users all the money they would invest in hardware if they don’t use IaaS Cloud Computing. The flexibility of the services offered through IaaS offers makes the choice very attractive to businesses. Users pay for these services on a pay-per-use basis.

Platform as a Service (PaaS):

Platform as a service cloud computing allows users to have a cloud-based on-demand environment equipped with all the necessary elements for developing, testing, and delivering software applications. This service can be very helpful for developers as it saves them a lot of time spent on setting up the necessary infrastructure for development and money dedicated to purchasing hardware, software, and hosting.

Software as a service (SaaS):

Software as a service cloud computing is established to deliver software applications through the internet on demand. Software as a service is managed by the provider and offered to the user. Providers take care of all the maintenance, upgrades, and security and users access the applications through the internet so they don’t have to worry about losing data because of damage to their hardware. Another benefit of this type of cloud computing is that you can sign up and have instant access to many innovative business apps and solutions.

Types of Clouds: public, private, and hybrid

There are different types of clouds and each of them has its specificities and best usage. In this part, we will explore these specificities and demonstrate the differences between these types of clouds.

Public Cloud:

Public cloud services are offered and managed by a cloud computing company (cloud service provider) which holds and manages the whole computing infrastructure. The customer has no control over the infrastructure as the entire services public clouds offer (storage, servers…) are online and accessible through the internet. Public clouds come with a very high performance and quality as providers aim at delivering fast, reliable, and secure clouds for their customers and users. Microsoft Azure is one example of public clouds.

Private Cloud:

This type of clouds dedicates the entire infrastructure (network) for one client which is usually a business or an organization. While the infrastructure is always reserved for the client who chooses private clouds, the physical location of the cloud can be located where the client wishes; company’s desired location or a hosting service from a third-party service provider. Private clouds are more expensive than public clouds but you have to know that the level of security that comes with private clouds is highest. Cloud service providers work their best to make sure the networks and data of their clients are perfectly protected against breaches and hacks.

Hybrid Clouds:

Hybrid clouds are a combination of public and private clouds with the implementation of technology that makes the data sharing and transmission between the 2 clouds possible. Companies and businesses use hybrid clouds in order to manage their needs from public and private clouds simultaneously. For example; using a public cloud to communicate and interact with customers and using a private cloud for a secure data storage.

The Benefits of Cloud Computing:

The first advantage cloud computing gives its users is saving them from many expenses on hardware, IT infrastructure, power, and experts. Businesses that choose cloud computing will spend less for the best service quality they can have. The financial factor is not the only advantage cloud computing offers, the quality of services offered is also a very important element. Cloud computing service providers offer maintenance and updates to positively develop their services and ensure a fast and reliable IT infrastructure for their users. Most providers also offer easy access to customer support in order to solve any issue clients can face. Security is another huge advantage that comes with cloud computing services as you won’t have to worry about a loss of data, hardware damage, or hacking because cloud computing companies give security and maintenance a great importance. The updates and upgrades to the latest generations of hardware cloud computing companies perform to make the services faster with a very limited network latency.