Cloud computing is really trending these days. In fact, nearly every company will have switched to types of cloud computing to improve their business as a whole, with easy access to important files. But what is cloud computing, and how can it benefit you?

Well, if you want to know all about cloud computing services, we’ll be talking you through it in this helpful guide. Simply read on to discover the advantages of cloud computing, the disadvantages of cloud computing and how to use the cloud. You’ll be an expert in no time…

What is cloud computing?

If you’re racking your brains trying to answer the question: “What is cloud computing?”, don’t worry; we’re here to help. Cloud computing is a system that uses a network of remote servers to manage your data, and uses the internet to do exactly that.

It’s different to a computer or laptop, or even a local server, because it uses the internet to process, manage and store data in the cloud storage, rather than the likes of a hard drive. And as our use of the internet has massively increased, so has our need for cloud computing services.

Not to mention, we have a lot more data to store these days – from work videos to family photos on our mobiles, and crucial business documents. And with this, we need larger servers and easier access to our storage systems, which cloud computing can provide. The great amount of cloud storage you have access to with this technology is excellent. Essentially, it’s your answer to great data storage, as it’s a constant, on-demand computer system.

The different types of cloud computing

Cloud computing doesn’t fall under one category; there are various versions to suit different needs and requirements. There are many different types of cloud computing, but what are they? We’ve listed the three most popular kinds:

Public cloud

The public cloud is made up of many readily available computer resources, including the likes of memory, networking, storage and central processing units (CPU). They are pretty basic, which is really helpful, and they provide managed services including solid security systems and database servers. And if you own a business, you’ll know how important these factors are.

You can rent this type of cloud computing to create a solid IT infrastructure, with the two most popular types of public cloud being Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google.

Private cloud

A private cloud refers to cloud computing resources that are used by one single organisation. This type of cloud storage is exclusive to one individual, private business because it’s traditionally located at a company’s data centre and uses the business’s personal hardware. However, it is common for an organisation to bring in a third-party provider to host private cloud on their technology systems. And private clouds provide great flexibility and control, which is essential when handling and retrieving data.

Hybrid cloud

Another type of cloud computing is a hybrid cloud. As its name “hybrid” denotes, it refers to mixed computing and storage, joining a private cloud with a public cloud to help data apps move seamlessly between the two. It’s common for your organisation to choose a hybrid cloud system, as it utilises two successful cloud computing services all at once.

The advantages of cloud computing

Now you understand how to access the cloud, and what that entails, you’ll also want to know what benefits it can bring you. Here’s a quick list of the many advantages of cloud computing:

1. Excellent data security

One of the key advantages of cloud computing is the data security it provides. This is because cloud computing always ensures your data is safely and securely stored, thanks to its advanced features. And when working in an office or even working from home, this is crucial.

2. Brilliant accessibility

Cloud computing lets you easily (and speedily) access your stored information wherever you are in the world, at whatever time suits you. This means that at work, your team is always connected, and everyone has the means to be both efficient and productive.

3. It improves collaboration

One of the great benefits of cloud computing is that it considerably improves collaboration, which is obviously a real plus if you’re using this system for work. How does it help people work better together? By letting groups of people, like you and your work colleagues, quickly access information that can then be easily shared through the cloud, using shared storage features.

4. Great storage capacity

Using the cloud allows you to store a large amount of information in one place, whether that’s images, audio, video or just standard documents. The storage capacity is so impressive and ensures a seamless journey to all of your different files, rather than searching here and there for different pictures and videos, for example.

5. You can easily backup and restore data

Whenever you have important files, you’d always hope they’d be easy to restore if they were deleted or lost. But that’s not always the case. However, with cloud computing, backing up and restoring data is so much easier because it’s all saved to the cloud.

Disadvantages of cloud computing

Although cloud computing brings plenty of benefits, it also has its drawbacks. But what are they and how will these factors affect the way you store your data?

1. You’re dependent on the network connection

Most of the time, you’ll have a strong internet connection. But if you don’t, cloud systems cannot be accessed. You’ll need a strong network connection to send, receive and retrieve files. And obviously, this can present its own issues if your internet is a little unreliable.

2. Technical issues can occur

Technical issues can easily occur when using the cloud, and the problem is, you can’t simply fix your cloud computing problems yourself. Instead, you’ll need to contact your host provider’s technical support team. Annoyingly, some providers don’t actually offer this service around the clock, either. So, this means you could be without your data for some time – and without the means to fix it …

3. Limited control

A cloud infrastructure is owned and managed by a service provider, which means when you’re using cloud computing, you’ll have limited control over it. As a business, this can cause problems because it can slow things down. Plus, it’ll be frustrating not being able to perform certain actions.

4. Security issues can come into play

All of your information may be stored in one secure system, but if you use a cloud computing service, you need to be aware that every sensitive and private piece of information will be sent to a third party (the service provider). So, if you have highly important and confidential files for your company, you need to consider these disadvantages of cloud computing.

5. Vendor lock-in

One of the greatest drawbacks of cloud computing is vendor lock-in. This describes the situation where the cost or inconvenience of switching to an alternative vendor is so high that you are stuck with your original choice. And like anything to do with your devices or broadband, you should have the flexibility to go elsewhere. So, this is worth considering before making your decision.

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Now you know the answer to “What is cloud computing?”, as well as the many benefits and drawbacks this storage system can bring. And if you’re looking to utilise cloud computing and need a reliable broadband provider, look no further. Discover more about our hyperfast, unlimited broadband, now.

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