What is cloud computing and how does it work

Oct 09, 2021
05 mins 40 seconds

Author: Gabriel Bujold

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In this article, we will try to explain what is cloud computing in the simplest terms possible. We won’t use the cloud terminologies that in most cases confuse people without technical backgrounds. In the end, you will understand:

  • What is cloud computing
  • The main features and benefits of cloud computing
  • The various types of cloud and services they provide
  • Problems Cloud computing can solve for small businesses
  • How you can leverage the cloud stay ahead of the pack

Let’s dive into it.

What is cloud computing?

Imagine moving all your computer hardware, (PCs, servers) software, database and others from your physical office location to a data center in a more secure site and have them delivered to you via the internet – That is Cloud Computing. There are a bunch of other services that are rendered over the internet, e.g. streaming a movie instead of going to blockbusters to get a physical CD to watch.

Almost everyone living in a civilized society today is in one way or the other use a cloud-based application or service (online games, uploading pictures to Instagram and sharing a file via the internet with friends) are all forms of Cloud Computing. Dropbox, Google Drive, email managers, cloud desktops, web-based apps (emails and call managers) and so on are all forms of cloud computing used by small businesses.

How does it work ?-Main defining characteristics of Cloud Computing

Resource distribution
It allows multiple users to share the same resources. Regardless of location, you can remotely access the resource pool via the internet. Eg. Dropbox used for sharing files.

Accessible via the Internet
Services rendered by the cloud provider must be available over the internet. That is if you have internet access you will be able to use the services.

Available on demand
You should be able to access the services whenever you want. You can Netflix whenever you want without restriction. Assuming you are hosting your data in a remote location, the hosting provider MUST guarantee the availability of your data 99.9 percent of the time.

Flexibility
It should be elastic as a rubber band. You can increase or decrease resources according to your needs without encountering a decline in user experience.

Analytics
Cloud computer should provide you with some analytics on resource allocation, usages and activity logs. The information will help you make proactive decisions when necessary.

Three Types of Cloud Computing Available Today

Public Cloud
As the name suggests it is open to the multiple tenants. What happens here is that the cloud provider gives away portions of the cloud space to other people. By doing so, they reduce the cost burden on one person. Usually, it is modeled after the Pay As You Use where you are expected to pay only for the resources you used. If you want to host a web server or some development systems, then this is a good option for you.

Private Cloud
Here you don’t share resources with some random people because it is privately built and locked down for only you. You can have them in-house or in a third-party datacenter. You can implement any security measure you want on this type of cloud and access are restricted to only the individuals you allow. If you are dealing with sensitive data, then the private cloud will be the best option for you.

Hybrid Cloud
You can leverage the best of both private and public clouds. In a hybrid situation, you can decide to have your website hosted in a public cloud and customers data hosted in a private cloud. This saves you the cost of hosting the entire operation in a private cloud which can be expensive for small businesses and strengthens your data security protocol.

This is how some companies are using cloud services

Storage and Hosting
Centralization of data is key to the activities of most companies and that’s why they choose to store them in the cloud and give remote access to employees. Think of Dropbox.

Backup
Some businesses prefer to have a replica of their data saved some in the cloud so they easily access it when a problem occurs with the data on-site or on their personal devices.

Email management
Most business correspondences are conducted via emails and cloud plays a big role in facilitating that.

Cloud Workspaces
Some businesses prefer to move their entire IT infrastructure (PCs, Servers, software and so on) to the cloud and have them managed by cloud professionals for a monthly recurring fee.

Now lets us look at some problems Cloud computing can solve for your business.

Small to medium business, often have the following technical problems:

  • You are anxious about the growing Security, Backups & Regulatory Compliance risk. Including securing your data from data theft and ransomware attacks. Or maintaining compliances or Also ensuring your data is backed up daily in case of a disaster.
  • You need to permit remote employees and encourage the use of their own devices (a BYOD Policy & Remote Workers Program), without worrying about compatibility (or data theft).
  • You want to decrease the device and software expenses. You don’t want to tie up capital with hardware and software, or continuously pay for upgrades.
  • Your IT Department is too expensive to keep. Systems maintenance and support requires a massive budget.

So, how do you handle all the latest security risks, while also allowing team members to work remotely, without increasing computer expenses or hiring an expensive IT team?

Perhaps you should consider V2 Cloud -World’s fastest Cloud Desktop

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The newer, high-speed Internet connections make the cloud the solution of choice in any of the cases above.

How you can leverage V2 Cloud stay ahead of the pack.

Better Security
V2 Cloud provide much better data security than what you typically have right now. It includes backup, regulation compliance and helps you avoid downtime with a quick restore in the event of an attack.

Easy and secure remote access
V2 Cloud can be accessed by any modern device that is connected to the internet, anywhere in the world.

Spend MUCH less capital buying new computers, servers and software upgrades
V2 Cloud VDI solutions allow you to pay for only what you need. It converts your capital expenditure on equipment and software upgrades into a monthly operating cost. You get the best IT infrastructure and maintenance services for a fraction of what you are currently spending.

Slash your Expenses on IT Department
You will significantly reduce your expenses on an IT department by moving your entire infrastructure to a fully managed, cloud-hosted environment.

Cloud computing if done right takes away a lot of IT headache from your day-to-day business operation and hands it over to a group of cloud expertise to manage. V2 Cloud has the best professionals in cloud computing that are ready to help you start the journey. Contact us today for a FREE one-on-one consultation on the best cloud for your business.

Written By: Gabriel Bujold

Big enthusiast of technology and remote work, Gab is the CMO of V2 Cloud. He’s a big fan of hiking, traveling, gins, and telling bad jokes to his colleagues.