Computing in the Cloud

Computing in the cloud is a natural progression for streamlining and obtaining cost effectiveness with regard to all computer functions for modern business operations. By using cloud computing, a business can access equipment, programs and technical personnel at a fraction of the cost of trying to duplicate those services and hardware within their own businesses.

What is Cloud Computing?

In reality, it operates physically much like an electrical utility. The utility invests in equipment, personnel and operational programs to provide electricity to the other smaller businesses. These businesses pay only for the amount of electricity they use when connected to the utility’s electrical grid. Anthony Ricigliano Cloud Computing is an excellent way for a business to obtain greatly enhanced computer services, equipment and technical expertise. The business only pays for the resources they use for their own business operations with a small monthly fee.

Who Has Control?

Control is always a top priority and concern for any business that outsources important tasks or services to a third party business. There are three main models for cloud computing that allow varying degrees of control by the subscribing businesses. Fees would adjust accordingly, of course. Clouds can be customized and scaled as needed for any size business.

1. The public cloud model is the least expensive and most general offering of services, similar again to the use of electricity by an individual homeowner connected to the public utility grid. Everyone can access the same services and receives basically the same results.
2. The community cloud is slightly more expensive and is designed to provide a special group of services to businesses that have similar interests. This would be more like joining a specialty club, like martial arts or ballroom dancing.
3. The private cloud cost the most, but also offers the most potential for individual customization. It would be rather like leasing an expensive custom sports car, for a monthly fee.

What about Reliability?

With limited control over equipment and programs, a user company would naturally be concerned about reliability and security issues. Any time anyone accesses the Internet, there is a potential for security problems. Having the state-of-the-art protection programs in action is the best way to keep up. This is another area in which using cloud computing can be cost effective. The cloud provider is the one doing the investment in top notch security measures, and they are regularly updated. Reliability is another important issue of concern to businesses using cloud computing. Again, the provider maintains Anthony Ricigliano Technical Staffing on site to address all technical concerns as they come up.

How are Cloud Services Used Today?

There are many ways that cloud services are used today by all sizes and types of individual businesses and government agencies. For example, a video production company needed to expand their server capability in one week form 50 servers to 500. This would be next to impossible without cloud computing. Other companies use cloud programming for customer contact management, tracking sales calls and results, database management, inventory, accounting and other statistical manipulation.

Where did the Cloud Come From?

The “Cloud” is a natural progression in computer functions that is keeping up with the development of the Internet and changes in communications methods. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, it was normal to have one computer fill up an entire building with its mainframe. As the industry developed and computers were downsized over time to the laptops and mobile devices of today that can access the Internet, it was appropriate for cloud services to arise. Client servers were first, and hosting by third parties eventually developed into the large providers of cloud computing today. For the foreseeable future, cloud computing looks to be an excellent answer to the increased capacity and cost containment that all businesses need for sustainable profitability.