The word “cloud” has basically become a common technological term. While tech-savvy people have a decent understanding of what it truly is, its potential and application come a bit confusing to most of us. For example, cloud hosting is not a shared server with a cloud logo on it. Compared to other hosting services and other traditional forms of hosting, cloud hosting offers unique pros.
The name cloud is drawn from its computing power called the cloud – an extensive underlying network of physical web servers or components where resources are allocated instead of having a fixed set of hardware. To state it simply, this server is an infrastructure that utilizes a software to divide itself into multiple virtual servers. These divisions are then called virtual machines (VM).
The terms “cloud computing” and “cloud storage” are sometimes used interchangeably. A person who is still new to web hosting may be tempted to believe that both terms are the same. But this is far from the truth.
The most general thought of cloud is a unit of storage where you can save files and remotely access them. Some examples are DropBox, iCloud, and Google Drive. Once the files are stored here, any person with access can get a copy of the data stored. Cloud Storage is useful for both personal and organizational use as most of them can provide you with unlimited storage space. Cloud computing, on the other hand, works differently.
Cloud storage is where you safely keep your files, while cloud computing is used to work on and finish projects. Since this is also linked to the cloud, you, or someone else with access can work on the same material and return it to you or pass it around to other people.
In organizations and businesses, cloud computing ensures that people can collaborate more efficiently. Since all the files are accessible to anyone authorized, it eliminates the problems of transparency. Furthermore, cloud computing also improves communication, especially when projects are worked on by multiple people in different locations. One example of Cloud Computing is SaaS or also known as software-as-a-service.
Below are the main types of cloud that you might find useful for your business.
Public Cloud
Public clouds are computing infrastructures that are being offered by companies like Google, Microsoft, and even Amazon. They basically provide services to the public including you. Even organizations can secure a piece of this space of network. Essentially, the resources of the cloud are being shared by hundreds to thousands of people. They do excel in performance but are quite vulnerable to cyber vulnerabilities and attacks.
Private Cloud
A private cloud is a network used by a single person or organization. This means it cannot be shared but still remains to be remotely located. It is often used by businesses who require a specific type of security control. Many medical clinics, banks and other organizations who are mandated to follow certain state guidelines for data control utilize this type of cloud hosting.
It allows these organizations to handle sensitive data while meeting the government regulations without breaching privacy. So rest assured that trade secrets, medical records, bank account details and other classified information are safe.
Hybrid Cloud
The hybrid cloud gives you the best of both worlds. Its system is more complex and requires its users to manage multiple platforms and determine where exactly their data is stored. An example of this is an organization that uses a public cloud to provide information or even interacts with clients or customers while keeping sensitive data secured in a private cloud. If you have an organization and are looking for scalability, flexibility, and security, this is the best choice.
So, how exactly does cloud and cloud computing differ from one another? Here are two pointers to remember:
- Cloud Storage require more storage space as it is mainly used as a storing and sharing medium. Cloud Computing requires a higher processing power because multiple people can access it all together and work on the same project.
- Cloud Storage is mainly for personal use. Some small to medium-sized organizations use them as well. On the other hand, cloud computing allows its users to code applications remotely and even transform the necessary data.
Organizations and businesses today continue to investigate the pros and cons of cloud computing. After all, some companies still prefer to keep their data in a hardware somewhere inside their office. Though it is still relatively in its early stages of adoption, it is clear that Cloud Hosting is also an effective and inexpensive option without risking data security.
