Cloud Computing: A Small Business Guide

Cloud computing provides access to data and applications from any place, at any time, on any mobile device at a reasonable price when compared with the cost of hosting servers internally. Cloud computing is a modern approach to handling long-running business needs. There are numerous ways that cloud computing benefits small businesses. It stores and backs up company data runs software applications and streamlines how information is shared.

Cloud computing definition:

Cloud computing is the delivery of on-demand computing services over the internet. It is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer.

The different types of cloud services in cloud computing are:

• Cloud storage: In these services, the files are stored and back up for regular access. Files can be synced and shared along with devices.
• Cloud backup: Cloud backup is designed to serve as a failsafe solution if there is a server crash, cyber-attack, or other data loss.
• Software as a service (SaaS): It uses the web to provide a service. Examples are Office 365, Google Apps, QuickBooks Online, and Salesforce. SaaS is also called a platform as a service(PaaS).
• Cloud hosting: It facilitates multiple types of information sharing, such as email services, application hosting, web-based phone systems, and data storage.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing saves time and money by improving productivity and collaboration and promoting innovation.

Extremely accessible data

Businesses use cloud computing to access information anywhere with any compatible device. instead of storing information on your computer or a server in your office, cloud computing stores data on the web. Information is out there from a central web-based hub that provides anyone with proper credentials access from any location with an online connection.

Maintains consistency between users

When multiple workers are performing on an equivalent digital file, it is easy for mistakes to happen. Since cloud-hosted files exist within the same central location, data is automatically synced between all devices, which suggests people are using the foremost up-to-date version of files.

Allows for remote programs

Businesses believe software that may not commonly used home. Since specialized software is often installed on company computers in the office, cloud computing allows users to access all types of files and applications as though they were in the office. By removing the barrier of entry for employees to use the programs they’re comfortable with, regardless of where they are physical, cloud computing brings the office to the kitchen table.

Easy data backup

Catastrophic data loss can happen at any time. Whether that loss occurs from natural disasters, power surges, or hardware failure, affected companies are at increased risk of bankruptcy within an year because of the data loss. And while most companies have adopted backup plans, it helps to possess additional contingencies in place. By utilizing the cloud to store important data, business owners can rest easy knowing that important files are safe when the hardware fails.

Cost-efficient

Buying and maintaining server equipment requires time, expertise, and money. Instead of building your bespoke server, which may be susceptible to downtime, a cloud computing provider stores data for you without all the downsides. Prices for business-oriented cloud services are still a monthly expense, but it is a manageable and predictable expense in many aspects.

Type of Cloud Services

Cloud-computing services range from data storage to functional programs, including accounting software, customer service tools, and remote desktop hosting. These services often categorized into three groups: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).

Infrastructure as a service

IaaS replaces physical hardware like in-house web hosting servers. By providing things like virtual servers or virtual machines, IaaS helps businesses in a variety of configurations to handle different workload needs. Two of the key players during this field are Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure

Platform as a service

Through this cloud service, software developers are given access to cloud-based tools like APIs, gateway software, or web portals. Services like Salesforce’s Lightning, the Google App Engine, and AWS Elastic Beanstalk are popular solutions.

Software as a service

SaaS gives users access to software over the web. Accessible through computers, also as internet-enabled mobile devices, SaaS applications let workers collaborate on projects, download important files and work directly on specialized computer programs. Services like Microsoft Office 365 or Google Workspace are illustration of SaaS applications.

Types of Cloud Services

There are three types of cloud services store their data and host services: public, private, and hybrid cloud.

Public cloud: A public cloud service is made on an external platform run by the provider. With this off-site service, users get their cloud within a shared infrastructure. The cloud provider offers everything from system resources to the safety and maintenance of your cloud system. Since it’s managed by an outdoor company specializing in cloud services for a variety of consumers, a public cloud system is great for organizations that want more elasticity, cost-effectiveness, and therefore the latest technology.

Private cloud: A private cloud service is a cloud platform built within your walls using your hardware and software. It is managed by your own internal IT team, it is ideal for businesses that want exclusive access, more flexibility, and greater control over their cloud. However, this is a more expensive option.

Hybrid cloud: A hybrid cloud is a combination of both private and public clouds. In a hybrid system, an organization’s own IT team manages part of the cloud in-house and the rest off-site. For instance, a hybrid cloud system is perfect for an organization that wants to manage business-related data (such as customer files) in the house but wants to store less sensitive information with a third party.

Drawback of Cloud Computing

The drawbacks of cloud computing are twofold. First, implementing any new technology requires training personnel and establishing an effective troubleshooting system during and after the launch.

Another concern about cloud computing is security. No business is safe from a cyberattack. Business owners are especially concerned about how safe and secure their information is when it’s stored within the cloud. The key finding a reputable cloud service provider, asking about and understanding its contingency plans within the event of a security breach, and taking steps on your own to strengthen the security.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Staff savings: No need for staff and manage a team of in-house specialists to install and update software, manage email and file servers, or run backups. The convenience of cloud computing is that you pay a little monthly fee, and therefore the business of maintaining the service or application is that the responsibility of the cloud vendor.

Hardware space savings: You no need to run software updates for your network. Instead, you will host business data within the cloud and save your own hardware space for sensitive data. Plus, your computer will run faster and more efficiently.

Application consolidation: You will be ready to consolidate your separate application needs into one multi-application, cloud computing service:

• Google Apps for Business includes email, calendar scheduling, Google Docs (for creating and sharing documents, presentations, and forms), and Google Sites for creating websites — all for just $5 per month per person on your account.
• Microsoft’s traditional office suite, which used to be only available in downloadable desktop versions costing hundreds of dollars, is now available in a cloud-based version known as Office 365.
• Other cloud computing vendors like Info street provide a set of cloud applications including CRM, calendar scheduling, email, conference calls, file sharing, and an employee directory for as little as $10 per month per person on your account.

System hardware cutbacks: File storage, data backup, and software programs all take up a more space on servers and computers. With cloud computing, you use the vendor’s servers to store this data instead.

Time savings: Cloud computing applications are regularly updated, so you do not need to spend time and money doing it yourself.Thisprovides you the advantage of always having access to an application’s latest features and functions.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. OPEN Insight Guide by Microsoft Running Your Business in the Cloud”https://smb.blob.core.windows.net/smbstaging/Content/insightguide.pdf”

2. Cloud Business Review “cloudbusinessreview.com”

3. Small Business Guide to Cloud Computing “smallbiztrends.com/2010/11/16-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-choosing-cloud-computing-solutions.html”