The Cloud is widely seen as the future of business. Just about every business on Earth uses the Cloud in some form, directly or indirectly. Cloud servers are commonly used by many major corporations around the world. These highly efficient servers provide excellent data management facilities, and are highly adaptable to any business purpose.
The word “Cloud” is a broad term for data held on the internet. Cloud servers are actually physical servers located in data centres and accessed remotely, They providing the same services as conventional servers, but are designed for very high data loads across a broad range of applications.
Cloud servers have become very popular for their ability to deliver excellent services across business platforms, ranging from databases and blockchain operations to stock trading and other financial services. Cloud servers can be used to manage all different types of data and operations, from handling gigantic databases to high-volume Big Data operations and online transactions.
On the purely functional level, Cloud servers are used for intensive online operations. This may include ongoing workloads for banks, government agencies, and similar high-volume business. Major companies like Microsoft, Lenovo, Adobe and many others are major players in the Cloud server market, offering a very wide range of products.
Microsoft Azure is perhaps the best-known mainstream market example of a Cloud server product operations. This platform is also the current generation platform most easily accessible to business and private users.
Cloud computing, explained
The first and most important thing to understand about Cloud computing is that information is stored online, not on specific devices. This makes a big difference in operational efficiency. It’s as different as the difference between Netflix and a hard copy disk. Gaming is another good example. Many popular games and their data, for example, can only be accessed online.
This also applies to many different types of hardware. Many modern tablets, and similar devices don’t actually have much on-board memory, but can access their data using Cloud services. In effect, all they need is basic processing capabilities and a web browser. Everything else these devices do can be done online.
In conjunction with Cloud servers, “cloud computing” is a good practical example of Cloud operations in which on-site operations in which Cloud servers are integral. Cloud computing using Cloud servers incorporates a broad mix of operations, business services and IT operational needs at multiple levels.
For example:
- Virtual IT is a Cloud service enabling remote external operations of servers within a business IT framework. This may include virtual private networks, and similar very useful, very secure options.
- Software operations on the Cloud can include commercial applications, software development, and hosting.
- Network operations storage may include major assets like archived data, instantly accessible through the Cloud operations.
As you can see from these examples, Cloud computing for businesses includes a truly vast array of different types of computer operations online. Cloud servers are specifically designed to manage these operations quickly and efficiently without the added encumbrance of massive amounts of hardware.
How does a Cloud server work?
Cloud servers are the heart and soul of the Cloud. They can offer a range of services, including their server functions:
Software services, also known as “software as a service“: in this case, Cloud servers provide functional software which is not actually installed in using computers. This enables access to a wide range of software operations. Software as a service is considered particularly useful in so far as the software is a high-value asset which is instantly accessible.
Cloud platforms are a critical Cloud server asset base for many different types of business and uses. They may include a mix of operating environments, databases, and hardware/application services for consumers and businesses. This very useful range of configurable applications is ideal for commercial business purposes and many different types of uses in professional services like engineering, industrial design, and even mass media.
Storage: The very first application of Cloud computing and Cloud servers was in fact data and information storage. Google and other companies offered Cloud storage for businesses in the early 2000s, and this business has grown exponentially. Many businesses and private individuals use Cloud storage as a multiple-redundant backup, and as well as for operational needs.
Custom Cloud Configuration: Custom configuration is required for operations which are typically diverse, factoring in specific business needs, specific software operations, and similar unique requirements. (The good news is that this is nowhere near as difficult as it sounds. Cloud service providers can generally deliver these unique configurations effectively and at a reasonable cost.)
Cloud hosting
Like other on-line services, Cloud services are provided by hosts. When you’re looking at your choice of Cloud hosting services, you could find yourself spending a lot of time in the process.
General best practice wisdom is:
Specialist Cloud hosting services are definitely required for some needs. For example, for banking, stock trading, and similar financial businesses, you will need a host able to provide high-volume, high security Cloud services. This isn’t quite a no-brainer. These specialist services can help you with very high data loads, and a very broad range of different operations from user interfaces to archives, data storage, and more.
Major ISPs usually do offer Cloud services. This, however, doesn’t mean they can necessarily provide exactly the services you require. It’s a good idea to speak directly to your ISP regarding their Cloud services, and above all, check out costs and any contractual obligations and risks.
Global Cloud Services: Despite the somewhat ponderous terminology, global Cloud services are very popular with individuals, and as well as corporate users. The modern global market is the ideal environment for Cloud servers and Cloud computing. Microsoft Azure and Adobe Cloud are good examples of universal options for business needs. These go-anywhere Cloud services are perfect for just about any business or any personal business needs.
Looking at Cloud servers for your business?
If you’re looking at a range of Cloud options for your business, MaxIT is here to help. We can save you the time and trouble of “Cloud computing for dummies” with expert help and practical advice.
Our business is all about making business easier for our clients. We’re Cloud business specialists. We can provide you with excellent scalable solutions to your business and professional needs. We can help you with the full spread of practical business solutions, current generation Cloud operations, and future service needs. Contact us and speak to our friendly experts to discuss your new Cloud services.
