Cloud computing is the provision of on-demand computing services over the Internet .
These services include file storage, networks, software, databases, servers, and many others.
The main feature is that this system makes it unnecessary to save files and install programs on your own computer.
Everything is already stored on the servers of the companies that provide the service, accessible to users via the worldwide computer network.
This is what allows the provision of on-demand services: you only pay for what is actually consumed.
In this way, cloud computing allows for great savings, flexibility and scalability , among other benefits, which we will explain in more detail later.
These advantages exist for any user, and also for companies of all sizes, which make information technology management much more efficient.
Another very useful and important feature of the cloud concept is the possibility for professionals to work remotely .
From anywhere in the world, as long as he has a computer (or another device that can access the world wide web with a browser) and an internet connection, he can use cloud solutions to carry out his work.
Therefore, anyone who works in a modern company no longer has the problem of needing to be in the office to perform their duties.
These characteristics have everything to do with the new demands of the job market: more mobile, flexible and connected teams.
How does cloud computing work?
Cloud computing operates based basically on three main models: public, private and hybrid .
Cloud storage is characterized as public when it is made available to an entire universe of customers and interactions occur through internet protocols.
In turn, the private cloud, as the term makes clear, is for a restricted group of users .
There are also clouds that operate according to the community model, normally used by institutions with common goals and interests.
Finally, we have the hybrid type of operation, mixing the characteristics of the three models, with a wide variety of usage options – and higher implementation costs.
What is cloud computing for?
One of the main functions of cloud computing is to ensure a volume of stored data compatible with the needs of search, analysis and recovery .
It is also an additional guarantee for companies that want to have their data always protected against accidents, bad weather and disasters, since the servers are normally located in secure locations.
No less important, the cloud concept provides much more scalability for making updates and upgrades , both in hardware and software.
Cloud Computing Examples
The best way to understand how a technology works is to associate it with something that is part of our routine.
This is what happens when we discover that it is present in many solutions with which we have frequent contact.
Want to see?
Below, we list some examples of cloud computing in different areas.
- Google Maps : You can access street maps and satellite images of the entire world from your browser
- Dropbox : one of the world’s leading cloud file storage and sharing services
- Management software : more and more companies are opting for cloud-based software, instead of installing it on internal networks that can only be accessed on company computers.
- Google Docs : Text documents, spreadsheets and other files can be created, edited and shared in the cloud, without having to save them in a folder on your computer
- Trello : is a cloud-based organizer where multiple users can access registered projects to check the stages and status of tasks.
- Spotify : downloading music in mp3 format seemed to be the latest development in the music industry, but now services like Spotify have become established, where the music is stored in the cloud, so that we can listen to it without having to download it (Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal are other examples of music platforms that work in the same way).
- Youtube : Long before Spotify, Youtube revolutionized the way users share videos on the internet. We no longer need to upload and download files, as the files are stored in the cloud: just watch them on the website or app
- Netflix : while on YouTube any user can publish their amateur videos, Netflix is a cloud service for large productions such as series, films and documentaries (Amazon Prime, Disney+, Star+, Paramount, HBO, are some other examples).
Importance of cloud computing for businesses
In the past, companies needed to invest in very powerful machines and have an IT team always on standby to resolve any problems with software and systems.
Now, in most segments, companies can have simple computers and simply create users for employees to access cloud services.
In case of problems or queries, many of these types of services offer fast and qualified support .
The importance of cloud computing for companies, therefore, lies in the agility and practicality it provides.
Other advantages that we can mention are:
- Cost reduction : less is spent on purchasing hardware and labor to install and maintain software, systems and servers. Not to mention the energy savings to keep the machines running and physical space in the company.
- Flexibility : it is possible to explore new ways of organizing the team , enabling, for example, home office (or remote work), with employees working from home, if they prefer
- Scalability : IT managers do not need to guess what the needs will be when contracting services and run the risk of wasting resources or needing to expand the structure in the short term. In the cloud concept, the process of increasing capacity can even be automatic.
- Performance : the data centers that house the main cloud computing solutions are constantly updated, always ensuring the highest technology for the best user experience.