Cloud Technology: A Comprehensive Guide About Data Storage for the Digital Age

Have you every wondered what cloud technology is, and how it could benefit your business? In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the cloud, how it has changed data  storage for the better, and why it should be used in your day-to-day business operations.

What is Cloud Technology

Cloud computing, or simply the cloud, is a technology that enables a user to store and retrieve data from a source online which keeps it safe, secure, and readily available in case of emergencies. This is a major upgrade from the traditional way of storing important business data and information in computer hard drives and data storage devices such as flash drives which can easily be lost in a natural disaster or other catastrophic events.

Situations like these have prompted company owners to seek a more effective way for them and their employees to access important documents from various locations around the world. This strong demand has pushed cloud services to the forefront of data storage in today’s digitally dependent world.

This type of service model that enables on-demand access to a shared pool of resources that include networks, servers, and storage applications. The cloud’s main ability is to provide the users and the enterprises a variety of ways to store and process data through trusted third-party data centers.

The cloud is one of the most highly-demanded services today. In fact, it has generated a steady $100 billion growth per year.  Experts have predicted that it will be worth $270 billion by 2020.

What Are its Characteristics

The most common characteristic of the Cloud Technology is that it allows users to store and retrieve data from one particular source. However, there is more to this in-demand service that meets the eye. Here are the top five characteristics that you should know about the Cloud Technology:

• It is easily programmable.

Contrary to popular belief, the Cloud is a self-service tool that users can easily modify to meet their business needs. Users or key individuals can program the manner and the frequency of how the server can store and process data. Depending on the need and the nature of the business, one can conveniently program server time and network storage as to the frequency without requiring human interaction.

• It has a multi-tenancy nature.

One of the greatest characteristics about Cloud Technology, is that it can be conveniently accessed by several individuals without the system breaking down. This helps leverage businesses by being able to provide various data and program resources accordingly to both consumers and clients on demand.

• Information is accessible at your convenience.

Whether you are in a meeting or working at home, one of the greatest characteristics about cloud Service is that it allows you to easily access information anytime and anywhere. It promotes location-independence especially for individuals whose job functions require them to be out of the office for most of the day. From mobile phones to laptops, the information that you require is literally at your fingertips.

• It can easily adapt to changes in your business.

Business policies naturally change course over a specific period of time. Fortunately, cloud service can be easily modified for the changes in your company. This dynamic nature gives you the option to provision resources based on the demands of both the work and the client in near real time. The best part is that it does not create any delays in the server or disrupt day to day activity in the workplace.

• It is measurable and can be optimised.

Not many people are aware of the fact that cloud systems are hardwired to control and optimise its resources through a metering system. It is able to monitor, report, and control resource usages within the system depending on user activity. It optimises resources accordingly, giving both the provider and consumer the transparency in the business.

Cloud Technology is a digital wonder that has proven to be an essential tool for your company. It provides businesses not just the convenience to access data, a way to counteract disasters, but also the security of running their businesses without interruptions.

What are the most common forms of Cloud Technology

Cloud Technology comes in three main forms. Each form has a general function for specific business needs.

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):

This widely known as the basic building blocks for Cloud IT. It is known to provide access to computers, data storage space, and other networking features in a company. This has the highest level of flexibility and management over your business’ IT infrastructure. It is commonly known to many IT professionals today.

• Platform as a Service (PaaS):

If you happen to run a business that offers computing platforms, then the PaaS is the perfect cloud service platform for your company. This cloud service allows you to focus on the deployment and management of your business applications. It is a perfect tool that increases efficiency in the business by doing all the heavy work for you such as software maintenance and patching.

• Software as a Service (SaaS):

Most commonly referred to as end-user applications, the SaaS is mainly focused on how a specific software is used. It does not deal with maintenance or even infrastructure management. All businesses have to do is to focus on how to keep the software running. A common example of SaaS is the highly popular web-based email.

Cloud service is truly a valuable tool in the business. If you’re looking for a highly reliable company that offers excellent cloud services or just want to upgrade your current one, look no further.

NST is an Australian-based company that offers various IT services particular Cloud Services for all kinds of businesses. Our highly skilled and certified IT professionals will be there to give great service that delivers good results. Find out more how you can upgrade your company’s cloud services right here.