Cloud Computing Services and How They Benefit Businesses

With technology rapidly becoming more integrated into the workplace, how can you make online and cloud software work for your business? 

Also known as “the cloud,” cloud software transitions and delivers manual work onto the internet. Digitizing computing services—such as databases, software, storage, and other internal intelligence—makes them convenient for business.

Additionally, cloud computing services provide faster innovation and encourage collaboration between team members. 

What are the Different Types of Cloud Deployment Models?

Cloud computing is divided into three deployment models, each presenting its own pros and cons. Choosing one heavily relies on your company’s needs.

1. Public Cloud
   

   The public cloud is considered the most used cloud deployment model throughout the internet. A third-party provider owns and hosts the cloud resource. As such, those who subscribe to this model do not have to worry about regular maintenance of data servers.

   Out of the three models, the public cloud is also the most affordable since most are accessible to anyone with access to the internet. Good examples of this deployment model are Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive.

2. Private Cloud
   In contrast to the public cloud, which many companies worldwide currently use, a private cloud is exclusive to one business. Opting for a private cloud grants your business higher security but at the expense of a more premium subscription.
   
   Additionally, a private cloud requires more hardware maintenance since you will need physical network infrastructure for your online storage.
3. Hybrid
   As its name suggests, the hybrid cloud deployment model uses both public and private cloud elements to give users the flexibility the other two models may fail to provide. 

   This model has become a popular option among businesses because of its versatility and accessibility online and offline. Combining private and public clouds allows for more well-rounded support for a semi-remote workforce. It is also an affordable option for businesses.

What are the Different Types of Cloud Computing Services?

You can choose from three main types of cloud computing services to optimize their operations. Each service has unique features and capabilities that complement different industry needs. 

• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

IaaS services are considered the entry model of cloud computing services. It provides storage, backup, and recovery features, which are basic cloud computing elements for bringing your business operations online. You can enforce these solutions via physical or online machines on a pay-as-you-go basis. 

Opting to avail of the IaaS package can help you minimize data server maintenance, reduce costs otherwise used on hardware, and provide readily available business insights for more informed decision-making. 

Cloud service providers manage the data servers and similar infrastructure forms but also offer virtual equivalents. This service is a good option for small to medium-sized businesses or even large businesses kicking off their digital transformation.

• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

While IaaS services offer basic cloud features for businesses, PaaS services give companies frameworks and blueprints on which to build, collaborate, and deploy a server’s software applications. It is also here where developers can experiment with custom apps without worrying about maintaining them.

Different PaaS services are available to different clouds. For instance, businesses with a private cloud can avail of private PaaS services to accommodate their developers’ needs, improve their internal resource usage, and reduce cloud sprawls. This service also allows developers to build their company’s apps while following security, privacy, and compliance requirements.

Meanwhile, businesses that want to add real-time communication features to their apps without using back-end infrastructure and interfaces can avail of communication PaaS (CPaaS) services. This service also helps developers document their work and save on infrastructure, human resources, and time to market.

In terms of subscription, you can pay for PaaS services monthly or per-use basis.

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

The last type of cloud computing service is SaaS, which delivers apps through the internet as a service. With this service, you do not have to install and maintain software individually. Instead, you can freely use them online for your convenience. Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive are famous examples of this type of service. 

The difference between SaaS from PaaS lies in the infrastructure service. While PaaS delivers the tools needed for a business to create and manage its operational workload, SaaS provides a finished infrastructure where you only need to focus on your subscription fee.

SaaS providers run and manage SaaS apps on their servers. They also monitor and improve SaaS apps based on security, availability, and performance. These apps are sometimes referred to as web-based, on-demand, or hosted software. 

How Can Cloud Computing Help Me and My Business?

Cloud computing services offer many benefits to businesses in all industries. Generally, it provides your business with added flexibility and connectivity to streamline daily operations. These capabilities make data accessible to everyone in your company at any time.

The flexibility in cloud computing allows your business to scale quickly. Depending on your business’s current needs, cloud computing lets you scale your storage accordingly. Elevating your business to the cloud also improves your overall collaboration efficiency, allowing employees to exchange information anytime, anywhere easily. 

Additionally, your business can save money even if you avail of the basic cloud computing service infrastructure since moving to the cloud reduces IT costs. With cloud computing servers, you no longer have to invest in expensive equipment for your business. You can use what your cloud provider already offers. 

Lastly, storing your data virtually can improve business continuity. With cloud computing, you can keep your records safe during natural disasters or similar crises since copies are stored in your online storage. These records also include files that have been created through cloud accounting services. Easy access to these files can also minimize downtime and loss of productivity.

Start Uploading Your Business Data to the Cloud Today

Cloud computing offers significant benefits that can contribute to your company’s operational efficiency and future success. As such, consider investing in the cloud if you can do so. A cloud service is available for you, regardless of your industry and business needs.