A Comprehensive Guide to Cloud Computing for Businesses

Featured article by Calvin Paige, Independent Technology Author

Cloud computing continues to take the tech world by storm and for good reason, but there is one area where these systems really come into their own: when they are used to improve the power of business. They enable both large and small companies to save time and money by increasing productivity, increasing the possibilities for collaboration and fostering innovation.

To understand the multitudes of benefits that cloud computing can bring to a business, one first needs to understand what these systems are.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services via the internet or ‘cloud’. These services could be anything from storage, data, networks, software, video streams, or intelligence. Essentially, it can be thought of as a virtual pool in which shared resources can be deployed quickly, on a large scale, offering faster innovation, increased flexibility, efficiency, and reduced running and installation costs. These allow users’ communications to be fast and easy, as well allowing users to access data wherever they have an internet connection.

How Does it work?

One simple way to explain how cloud computing works is to look at it as comprised of two systems: one at the front end, and the other at the back end. Front end refers to the user’s cloud-enabled computer or device, and the back end is the cloud technology infrastructure, which is usually many computers, servers, and data storage systems. The front and back end systems are connected via the internet which allows information to move instantly back and forth between the two.

Some Examples of Cloud Computing Services:

– Cloud-Based Telephony – This type of system eradicates the need for, and cost of, hardware, allowing business’s phones to be used on and off-site, on multiple devices, find out more here: virtualhostedpbx.net.

– Cloud Backup – this is a method of safeguarding against crashes, cyberattacks, or other forms of data loss.

– Cloud Storage – using cloud storage systems such as DropBox enables access from multiple devices in addition to quick sharing, reducing the need for costly infrastructure

– Software-as-a-Service Models – Gmail and Outlook are examples of SaaS systems, which allow users to access programs, even if they are not instantly on the front end computer.

Why is Cloud Computing so Important for Businesses?

Cloud computing allows any company, large or small to access faster, cheaper, and superior services. Some of the benefits are:

– A drastic reduction in IT running costs and budget

– Increased flexibility, since it is no longer necessary for a business to invest in hardware and software as they set up

– Potential for growth, since cloud computing systems can be scaled up or down almost instantly; they offer a service that can reflect and complement a business’s growth

– Access to the systems by an authorized party from any location if they have an internet connection

– A healthier cash flow since many of these systems work on a pay per use basis

The cloud system works on a continuous relationship between software users and software developers. This means that a more responsive and adaptive system is available than the traditional on-site software license and support model. This allows businesses to instantly access new and updated systems as soon as they are created.