What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is defined as the use of shared computing resources, such as servers, storage and databases, networks, applications, analytics, and even intelligence, accessed over the Internet as a service. This is a model in which, instead of a company owning and managing its own data centers and servers, it uses the cloud service provider technology and services when required.

There are three most common cloud computing models:

• Software as a Service (SaaS): Software applications are hosted and managed by the cloud provider and can be accessed through a web browser without the need for installation. Some examples of workplace apps include Google Workspace with Gmail, Salesforce, and Dropbox. This is the most common model for personal users because it embodies the nature of most calling patterns.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS): These are platforms where users can build, iterate, and run applications. Examples: AWS Elastic Beanstalk for Amazon and Microsoft Azure.
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides services such as computers like servers, storage, and networks that create and run your own programs and OSs. Examples: Amaz Á Amazon ÉC2, Google Compute Engine.

Cloud computing is a generalized term that describes numerous service delivery models, one of which is SaaS. Cloud computing is best defined as the entire pizza, and SaaS can be thought of as one slice of the pizza, specifically the software application slice, where the service provider provides all the other ingredients, such as servers, storage, etc.

• Cost savings: When operational costs are reduced, one has to pay for the resources utilized.
• Scalability and flexibility: Be able to increase or decrease the identified resources depending on the need to eliminate cost overruns or inefficiency in utilization.
• Reliability and availability: This is seen in cloud providers with elaborated infrastructure to provide service availability and disaster recovery systems.
• Collaboration and accessibility: Interaction and easy access to information from any location for inefficiency.
• Automatic software updates: Cloud computing controls manual updates and maintenance tasks from IT resources to other activities.

It must be noted that security is a collaborative effort between you and the cloud provider. Here are key considerations:

• Data Security and Privacy: Select a provider whose security is top-notch and has relevant features such as encryption and access controls for handling your data.
• Compliance: Make sure the provider abides by the standard policies and regulations, especially if your business deals with sensitive data (For instance, healthcare and financial sectors).
• Incident Response: Specifically, find out what measures the provider has put in place to respond to any incidents and how they will inform you of such an occurrence.
• Shared Responsibility Model: Remember that data and application protection is your responsibility, while the provider is for infrastructure security.