What is the Cloud and How Does it Work? [Explained]

Most people who have the slightest idea of what cloud technology is will associate it purely with storage solutions. However, in reality, the cloud is more than just an innovation that has made data storing much more efficient and easy. As an up and coming technology, it has proven itself to be very efficient in boosting businesses.

For instance, Information Age notes how the cloud can help employers cut IT and overhead costs, increase collaboration, decrease their carbon footprint, improve data security and achieve better data management. However, before we continue listing all the other benefits of this technology, let’s first talk about what cloud is and how it is being applied to improve the lives of many.

What is the Cloud?

In its simplest sense, the cloud is a collective term used to refer to both the servers that are accessed over the Internet and the software and databases that run on those servers. Through cloud computing, users and companies are able to access the same files and applications from almost any device, since the computing and storage take place on servers in a data center and not locally. As a result, the need to send files through emails and other communication devices is eliminated.

cloud computer

How does the Cloud Work?

As mentioned, we are able to utilize the cloud to the fullest through cloud computing. ZDNet defines cloud computing as the delivery of on-demand computing services such as applications, storage, and processing power over the internet on a pay-as-you-go basis. Cloud computing is supported by a technology called virtualization. Virtualization is the technology that enables the creation of a simulated.

Digital-only “virtual” computer that behaves similarly to a physical computer with its own hardware. By running multiple virtual machines at once, a single server can become a multitude of servers, and a data center becomes a whole host of data centers. This is the reason why most, if not all, of the applications today are able to service lots of customers at once and at a low cost.

Types of Cloud Computing Models

Based on the service a particular cloud model is offering, it can either be an Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) refers to the fundamental building blocks of cloud computing that can be rented. This is the one that is being used by companies that aim to create applications from the ground up and control nearly all the elements themselves.

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is the next layer up. It’s not only the underlying storage, network, and virtual server, it also includes different tools and software that developers need to build applications on top of. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is the most popular model that is being used by most people on a day-to-day basis. InfoWorld describes SaaS as a software distribution model where a service provider is able to host applications for customers and make them available to various customers via the internet.

Current Uses of the Cloud

Nowadays, cloud technology is being used in many different ways. Lifewire notes how it can be used to configure and deploy remote external servers, improve and create commercial software applications, and archive data across the internet to a provider. In addition to all these, the cloud is also being leveraged to improve various aspects of remote working, which is the norm for many professionals today. For instance, cloud backup services make remote working much more secure. Box explains that cloud backup services secure files better than traditional ones.

Local storage solutions because everything is hosted remotely. So if anything happens to your physical device, you’ll still have access to your files. Furthermore, the cloud is also being used to encourage agile collaboration by letting users comment on and assign tasks directly within files and quickly share content.

Future uses of the Cloud

Cloud technology has come a long way. Even before the massive shift to remote working, Cloud Tech reported that the worldwide public cloud services market is set to jump by 17% this year thereby reaching $266.4 million. In the coming years, noted tech analyst James Kobielus expects the cloud to envelop every component of the information technology ecosystem. Storage capacity will increase, the quality of the internet will be improved, modular software will become a priority and cloud-based services will become even more economical.

The future of cloud technology is bright and filled with endless possibilities. As cloud migration slowly becomes the norm, the only thing left for all of us to do is to ride the wave and see where this innovative technology will take us. To keep yourself updated with the latest happenings in the ever-evolving world of tech, check out other digital technology articles on KeepTheTech.