What Is Cloud Computing And How Does It Work
In the following we will be discussing an important topic that is “What is cloud computing and how does it work?” and will discuss it thoroughly within the article. From floppy disks to CDs to USB flash drives, file saving and sharing have undergone a significant evolution over the past decades. The devices to share files are becoming smaller and have higher capacities, increasingly destined to serve an on-the-go lifestyle.
Today you no longer need to save all of your documents on one specific device. Instead, you’ll be able to access your files from any terminal at any time, because of “cloud computing.”
What Is Cloud Computing
The “cloud” has always been a metaphor for the Internet; in reality, cloud symbols are usually used to portray the internet on diagrams. As a virtual space that connects users from all over the world, the internet is sort of a cloud, sharing information by way of satellite networks.
Sharing And Storing Data
Cloud computing, in turn, refers to sharing software, resources as well as information via a network, in this case, the Internet. The information is stored on physical servers maintained and controlled by a cloud computing provider, like Apple in regards to iCloud. As a user, you access your stored data on the cloud via the internet.
You don’t have to store the information on your own hard drive if you use cloud storage. Instead, you’ll be able to access it from any location and download it onto any device of your choice, together with laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Moreover, you can additionally edit files, like Word documents or PowerPoint presentations, simultaneously with other users, making it easier to work away from the office.
There are different kinds of cloud computing services available to suit different wants. While some cater to individual users who wish to store documents, photos as well as videos, others are destined for companies that require extensive platforms, for example, to develop IT applications.
Depending on your needs, the prices will vary. As an individual user, you’ll get an initial amount of storage at no cost, such as 5GB with iCloud. If you need further storage, you will have to pay a fee. Fees are typically set at monthly or yearly rates, depending on the services you are using.
Advantages
- Worldwide Access. Cloud computing actually increases mobility, as you are able to access your documents from any device in from any part of the world. For businesses, this implies that employees will work from home or on business trips, without having to carry around documents. This will increase productivity and allows for the quick exchange of information. Employees can even work on the same document without having to be in the same place.
- More Storage. In the past, memory was limited by the particular/specific device in question. If you run out of memory, you’d need a USB drive to back-up your current device. Cloud computing provides increased storage, therefore you won’t have to worry about running out of the area on your hard drive.
- Easy Set-Up. You can actually set up a cloud computing service in a matter of minutes. Adjusting your individual settings, like selecting a password or choosing which devices you want to connect to the network, is similarly easy. After that, you’ll directly begin using the resources, software, or information in question.
- Automatic Updates. The cloud computing provider is responsible for ensuring that updates are available – you simply have to download them. This saves you time, and moreover, you don’t have to be an expert or professional to update your device; the cloud computing provider will automatically notify you as well as provide you with all the instructions.
- Reduced Cost. Cloud computing is often inexpensive. The software is already installed on-line; therefore you won’t have to be compelled to install it yourself. There are various cloud computing applications available for free, like Dropbox, and increasing storage size and memory is affordable. If you need to pay money for a cloud computing service, it’s paid for incrementally on a monthly or yearly basis. By selecting a plan that has no contract, you’ll terminate your use of the services at any time; thus, you only pay for the services when you want them.
Popular Cloud Computing Services
- iCloud. Apple’s iCloud allows you to store music, documents, photos, and other files via Wi-Fi. You then will be able to access them from all of your devices. You automatically get up to 5GB of free storage, when you actually sign up for iCloud. Should you need additional storage, fees are as follows: $20 per year for 10GB, $40 per year for 20GB, and $100 per year for 50GB. All the other Apple apps (such as calendar, mail, and many more) are integrated to work seamlessly with iCloud.
- Google Cloud Connect for Microsoft Office. Google Cloud Connect permits numerous users to interact using Microsoft office. This includes simultaneous sharing and editing of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents. You can additionally save secure copies of every document. The flexible plan, which you can actually terminate at any time, is priced at about $5 per user account per month, while the annual plan is priced at about $50 per user account per year.
- IBM SmartCloud. IBM SmartCloud provides various services for IT companies, such as developing applications in the cloud or using the cloud as a backup for your company files. Use the price estimator to estimate the cost for your specific needs – you need to select the software, size, and times that you want to use, plus any additional requirements your company might have.
Choosing The Best Option
Whether you use your devices as an individual or as an organization, you can take advantage of cloud computing. Individuals can find Apple’s iCloud significantly useful if you’re using Apple devices. Small businesses, in turn, can opt to share documents via Google Cloud Connect, Google Docs, or Dropbox. IT and application development teams should opt for more complex services, such as those provided by IBM SmartCloud.