Cloud for Dummies

If you need extra bandwidth, a cloud-based service can meet that demand instantly, rather than undergoing a complex (and expensive) update to your IT infrastructure. Plain and simple, the cloud provides businesses more flexibility overall versus hosting on a local server.

Cloud computing enables users to access data and programs over the internet instead of your computer’s hard drive. So, you might ask how does that work?

Here are 5 keys to understanding the cloud, and how it works.

Cloud Scalability

Majority of the storage and computing is managed by servers. This helps eliminate the need for upscale devices like computers with greater hard drive space or memory. Advance operations can be run on the simplest and budget friendly machines.

Cloud Redundancy

Cloud redundancy means the data that’s stored in the cloud will get duplicated or backed up. You may ask what’s the difference? Duplicating your data allows you to store your information in a different location. Should a natural disaster occur, your connection will switch to the next region to allow you to keep working with very minimal downtime.

A backup is just what it is, a backup. If a similar situation mentioned above should happen or maybe a file you were working on gets corrupted, a backup allows you to restore the file back to its working state.

Cloud Virtualization

Virtualization is software that creates a simulated computer that behaves as if it were a physical computer. The technical word for this is called Virtual Machine. Instead of using one physical server for a single task, leaving resources like hard drive space and memory unused, you can run multiple servers, desktops, and applications. Benefits to this method is cost, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.

Cloud Flexibility

Cloud Flexibility allows users to be more flexible both in and out of the workplace. Users will be able to access files web-enabled device such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. You can simultaneously share documents and other files over the internet.

Cloud Security

Cloud Security ensures your data and applications are readily and available to authorized users. It is recommended that you hire a CSP or MSP to handle security needs proactively. What to look for in a CSP/MSP? Design to prevent data leakage, data encryption, strong authentication, integrated security, threat detection and continuous compliance.

In a nutshell, accessing the cloud doesn’t need to work as hard. By hosting software, platforms, and databases remotely, the cloud servers free up the memory and computing power of an individual’s cellphone, servers, desktops, laptops and tablets. Users can securely access the cloud services using credentials.

Interested in learning more about cloud services or if you’d like to speak to our in-house technician about using cloud services at your business feel free to reach out.