Cloud computing is the provision of computing services over the Internet. We are very excited about this as several organizations are looking to integrate cloud technology into their IT management practices.
Before cloud computing, companies bought, installed, and maintained servers. Everything will run on-premises and the department will procure and manage the data center.
This approach increased IT cost overheads and left companies unable to keep up with changing demands. Let’s see how cloud computing meets the challenges of on-premises systems.
1. Variable costs
Before the advent of cloud computing, companies raised money to build IT systems. This cost includes data center hardware and software, as well as other resources.
Traditionally, equipment procurement relied on expected capacity. IT departments invested in equipment before they used it. This approach was risky because if demand did not increase, the equipment would remain idle. And when demand exceeds capacity, more equipment needs to be procured.
Cloud computing meets this challenge with variable costs. Variable costs reduce capital costs because customers only pay for the resources they use.
You don’t have to buy equipment or pay for security or electricity bills. And you don’t have to hire staff to handle IT. Cloud providers can offer these as a service.
2. Scale on demand
Scaling on demand is difficult with on-premises systems. This is because the physical infrastructure limits capacity. Sudden increases in demand require additional infrastructure purchases. This process takes a lot of time and money.
When demand drops, additional infrastructure sits idle until the next demand spike.
With a cloud-based model, you don’t have to guess your capacity. Scale in seconds to meet demand. Scaling on demand means that resources can be adjusted according to demand. And you only pay for what you use.
For example, if you use a storage service provided by a cloud provider such as Google Drive, you may pay to access additional storage. You can get this extra space in less time than buying a new hard disk.
3. Reduce operating costs
Having your own data center means buying and managing your infrastructure on-premises. Local data centers are ideal for organizations that handle sensitive data. However, for a small business, managing it can be quite costly.
Cloud computing can reduce the cost of running your data center. Cloud providers host huge numbers of customers. By spreading the cost among clients, the client can offer a lower cost. It’s easier to manage resources in the cloud using a pay-as-you-go model than to run your own data center.
4. Infrastructure management
IT infrastructure requires round-the-clock management. We procure equipment, hire staff, and pay for overhead costs like electricity and space. There is also an ongoing need to spend on managing the data center.
In cloud platforms, the cloud provider maintains the physical and software infrastructure. It also manages resource procurement, maintenance, and security.
There are no maintenance fees, you only pay for the resources you use. So you have plenty of time to focus on innovating your business.
5. Global Exposure
Deploying applications to users around the world is not easy. First, you need to set up the infrastructure and staff to manage your deployment. Second, you must comply with applicable compliance procedures in your host country.
In cloud computing, cloud providers handle all of this. They provide the infrastructure for rapidly building, deploying, and scaling applications. Depending on the type of resource you choose, you can literally go global in minutes.
Most cloud providers have regional data centers that enable global expansion. The application will also work in a supported and secure environment.
6. Enhanced security
If you have an on-premises data center, you should invest in protecting your sensitive data. You need to buy a system that hires people and protects your investment.
In the cloud, providers manage security. Cloud providers have systems in place to protect their networks and information flows. Remain in control of your data, platform, applications, and private networks. This support allows you to scale and innovate while paying only for what you use.
Cloud security has always been questioned, but most cloud providers have invested in measures to combat security threats. They have systems in place to detect hacks and prevent fraud and other system interference. We also take measures such as firewalls to deal with cloud malware. You are only responsible for what you put in the cloud.
Also, all reputable cloud providers have best practices that all customers follow. You must follow these policies and operational processes. Cloud providers have teams of experts and security measures in place to ensure maximum security.
Protect your resources by combining your own security measures with those of your cloud provider. Setting up and managing security in the cloud is cheaper than in your local data center.
7. Improved agility
Agility is the ability to move and change quickly in response to stimuli. Agile systems recover quickly from failures, human errors, and natural disasters.
Cloud systems design their infrastructure to handle any kind of disruption. We have data centers in different regions and availability zones with redundant data.
Ideally, when you set up your resource, you should deploy it across multiple Availability Zones. Distributed data centers ensure data redundancy. Data redundancy has its pros and cons, but it’s a great option for preventing data loss. If one data center fails, you can use data centers in other regions.
Storing data in different regions and zones ensures application agility. Your application will never experience downtime. Even if it does, the hiatus will be short-lived.
8. Accelerating innovation
Cloud platforms such as AWS offer innovative technologies such as machine learning and AI as a service. After setting up your workflow as a resource, you can incorporate these concepts into your workflow in minutes.
It would probably take years to independently develop and implement this level of innovation. Cloud technology gives you cutting-edge technology on a pay-as-you-go basis.
How to use the cloud-based system
Cloud-based systems offer deployment models that you can choose according to your use case. A public cloud is a cloud-based deployment that designs and runs applications on the cloud.
You can also manage your own private cloud hosted on-premises. Alternatively, you can use a hybrid cloud that combines public and on-premises infrastructure.
Hybrid connects on-premises resources to public clouds such as AWS (Amazon Web Services). Here you can deploy some data in the cloud and keep the rest in your local data center.
