Everything you need to know about cloud computing

What is Cloud Computing?

Technology is increasingly moving to the cloud. This is not a trend. Over the past 10 years, the transition from traditional software models to software-as-a-service (or SaaS) has gained steady momentum. The next decade of cloud computing promises more opportunities to collaborate using mobile devices from anywhere.

What is cloud computing, you ask? Cloud computing can be described as a type of outsourcing software, data storage and processing. Access to files and applications can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. Programs and information are stored on secure data centers around the world and not on the user's computer. This allows for sharing and collaboration, frees up processing power and secures mobile access, regardless of the device or location.

Cloud computing offers a faster way to deliver computing resources. Cloud computing allows users to subscribe to software and services for a monthly fee, rather than purchasing licenses. The providers manage software and platforms and keep them updated for maximum security and performance. Users can access additional computing power remotely, rather than centralized. This allows them to respond to business surges. Multiple users can simultaneously access the same program or file, and they can collaborate from different locations.

Cloud computing was the future of life

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It might be difficult for younger workers to comprehend that employees used to only have access to work files, messages and systems via a terminal in their office, which was physically connected to the rest of the network through physical cables. Each computer had to have its software installed manually. The company data was kept in large cabinets or rooms that were well ventilated to avoid overheating. A single device's failure or loss could prove to be devastating.

Many of the old office traits have been simplified or eliminated by cloud computing:

Servers large -- Companies no longer have to store servers in well-ventilated equipment rooms or closets.

IT support in-house -- While tech talent is still highly valued, businesses don't need dedicated workers to troubleshoot hardware or software systems. It is no longer a tedious task to update computers one at a time.

Data storage devices -- Employees no longer have to manually backup data on external hard drives, discs or external devices.

Limited geographical access -- Managers and employees are no longer tied to the office. They can work remotely or while traveling, and they are just as productive. The geographical location of access to information and processes is irrelevant.

Software that is no longer available off-the-shelf -- Software upgrades used to cost a lot of money every few years. Every device had to have the application installed manually. Only the most powerful companies could hire developers to develop custom software. Security and bugs can go unresolved for many years.

Information loss -- Managers used be afraid that an emergency or natural catastrophe could wipe out all company records. While data that is kept on local computers can be lost or destroyed, cloud-based data is protected by multiple safeguards.

Do not duplicate documents -- Employees don't have to email files back-and-forth, where one person can make changes and the other has different versions of work products that are stored locally on several devices. Shared access to cloud-based files is always available. You can trust your colleagues that you are seeing the same thing, and using the same information.

Traditional business applications were always complicated and costly. It was difficult to manage the large number of software and hardware required. To install, configure, test and run them, as well as secure and update them, organizations needed to have a team of experts.

It's easy for anyone to understand why only the largest companies had the most capable IT departments in the past. They were able to get the custom solutions they required. Even small and medium-sized businesses were not given a chance. Cloud computing has made this possible.

Cloud computing: A better way

Cloud computing removes the hassles associated with managing your data. Instead of managing hardware and software, you are left to the hands of experienced vendors like Salesforce. The shared infrastructure functions like a utility. You only pay what you use, upgrades are automatic and scaling up/down is simple.

Cloud-based apps are easy to set up and can be running within days or weeks. They also cost less. Cloud apps are easy to use. You just need to open a browser, log into, customize the app and then start using it.

Why cloud computing is better

Accessible from anywhere -- Applications, data and data can be accessed regardless of where you are located. They can be accessed from anywhere and enable remote collaboration.

Flexible and scalable, Cloud-based apps are infinitely adaptable. As users' requirements change, it is simple to increase power, storage, or bandwidth.

It is cost-effective: Businesses pay only for the use of their equipment, often on a per month, per-seat basis. Hardware does not take up space or use electricity 24/7.

No hassle updates -- Web-based software can be updated at any time. Maintenance, backups and troubleshooting are handled by the vendor.

Rapid -- Service is provided on-demand through a global network secure data centers, which are continuously upgraded to ensure maximum efficiency and performance.

Secure -- Information is protected from flooding, fire, natural disasters, and hardware failures in any one place. To address new threats, security protocols and infrastructure are continuously analyzed and improved.

Cloud computing is a great way for businesses to run all sorts of apps and serve many purposes, including customer relationship management (CRM), accounting, human resources, and so much more. Salesforce is a pioneer in cloud-based software. After testing our infrastructure's security and reliability, some of the largest companies in the world moved their applications to Salesforce.

One word of caution: Cloud computing is becoming more popular, so many companies are simply rebranding non-cloud offerings as cloud computing. Also, if you need to manage hardware or software, then what you're seeing isn't cloud computing, but a false cloud.

The cloud's origin

In 1951, the UNIVAC I was the first commercial computer to hit the marketplace. It cost $159,000 today. Its first customers were the United States government and large corporations. Due to its high price and large electricity consumption, UNIVAC I required extensive care and maintenance. They were also very expensive to run.

Many people shared the first computers, so the user had to travel to the location of the computer to use it. Remote job entry (RJE) was developed in the 1960s. Remote job entry (RJE) allowed computer users to send data requests to computers from remote locations. This was the first time that the user did not need to be present at the computer in order to use it. This allowed multiple users to access the computer simultaneously from different locations.

This was a significant development in computer technology. Given the high price of these equipment, it was economically sensible to give multiple users access.

J.C.R., a computer scientist, created the concept of a computer network in the 1960s. Licklider came up with the idea of a computer network in the mid-1960s. He was working as an ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency) employee when he developed the concept of an "Intergalactic Computing Network", which would allow multiple computers and their devices to communicate with one another.

After Licklider left ARPA, computer scientists Bob Taylor, Larry Roberts, and his Intergalactic Computer Network idea were used to create ARPANET. This was a precursor of the internet. This was the first time users were able to access data from computers other than their own.

Although the term "cloud computing", was not in use at that time, the concepts behind it were. The cloud was used in many different ways due to technological developments during the 1970s and 1980s. In patent diagrams from the 1990s, the internet was shown as a cloud.

The phrase was first coined by Compaq Computer Corporation in 1996 when they used it in a business plan.

Salesforce.com was quickly recognized as a leader in cloud-based computing. Salesforce.com launched CRM (customer Relation Management) software in the cloud in 1999. This software was designed to replace desktop CRM software.

Anyone with an internet connection could access this revolutionary software. This cloud-based CRM software was not required to be installed on every computer within a company's inventory. It was also much less expensive than other options.

This innovative approach was the foundation for cloud computing today. Salesforce was the model for popular cloud-based software such as iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

Amazon created a cloud-based software application in the mid 2000s to manage its internal operations. Amazon launched Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) in 2006, after building an infrastructure of web-based services for its own internal use. Users were able to access computers in the cloud for their own purposes.

Later, Amazon released Simple Storage Service (S3). This introduced a pay as you go model and has since become a standard model.

Google Docs was a cloud-based word processor that Google released as a free service in the late 2000s. Google Sheets and Google Slides were soon followed by Google Forms, Google Forms, Google Slides and Google Sheets.

Salesforce is a leader in remote computing solutions for businesses. The cloud continues to evolve.

Commonly asked questions

Is it on my computer's hard drive?

Your data is stored on a network of servers. To avoid any single point of failure, major providers like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and others maintain servers farms all over the globe.

What business can the cloud be used for?

Cloud computing is used to store data, provide software, and increase processing power in a secure and scalable manner. Cloud-based services can be used for accounting, inventory control, customer relationship management, and human resources.

Why is the cloud more efficient than systems in place?

Cloud computing is affordable. The cloud eliminates large capital expenditures in infrastructure and shifts costs to operating budgets. It's convenient and provides easy access to data for managers and workers, regardless of their location. It is safe, as vendors usually handle security, backups and maintenance.

What are the top things that businesses need to do when moving to the cloud?

Cloud services can be delivered via the internet. It is important that you have a reliable, secure, and fast service that has enough capacity to meet your business' needs. Bandwidth is an essential component of cloud services. Consider upgrading if your network specs are not sufficient.

Is the cloud safe?

While no system can be trusted, cloud data is more secure than information on hard drives. Information can be easily lost or damaged on hard drives. Cloud services ensure that information is protected and regularly backed up. Vendors closely monitor security vulnerabilities in systems.

What happens to data once it is stored in the cloud?

It will depend on which servers you use, however access is generally based upon login credentials and permissions.

There are three types of cloud computing

Cloud computing allows users to access technology resources from distant locations. Based on the type and amount of resources delivered, there are three types of cloud computing. Software as a Service (SaaS), is the provision of fully functional products to end-users. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), provides system administrators with secure storage and network connectivity. Platform as a Service (PaaS), is somewhere in the middle. It gives developers the foundation to build apps and frees them from back-end worries.

Software as a Service (SaaS).

SaaS is the most popular type of cloud computing. It provides complete, ready-to-use applications via the internet. They don't usually need to be downloaded and installed individually on every user's computer. This saves technical staff a lot of time. The vendor handles all maintenance and troubleshooting.

Software programs are designed to perform specific functions and can be used intuitively. Salesforce's suite includes customer relationship management tools, Microsoft Office 365 products and Google Apps. These fully functional productivity tools can be tailored to users' specific needs without the need for programming or coding. SaaS offers the best customer support.

Infrastructure as a Service

IaaS, which is the most flexible type of cloud service, is best for companies that are interested in doing a lot of customization. IaaS offers additional capacity that can be used on short-term and long-term demand. IaaS allows tech-savvy companies to rent enterprise-grade IT resources to keep up with growth without large capital investments.

IaaS is a service that allows third parties to host infrastructure elements such as servers, firewalls and storage capacity. Users typically bring their own operating system and middleware. An IaaS provider might be a good choice for a business who is creating a new product. This will allow them to test the environment before they deploy it in-house. Cloud servers are usually accessed by clients via a dashboard or API. IaaS can be accessed entirely through self-service.

Platform as a Service

PaaS offers the foundation for software creation. It includes development tools, code libraries and servers as well as preconfigured components. PaaS takes care of the back-end issues such as infrastructure and security so that users can concentrate on building, hosting and testing apps more efficiently and at a lower cost.

Salesforce makes it easy to standardize and consolidate resources so that you don't have a need to create new apps every time. Multiple developers can simultaneously work on the same project. People without programming skills can often create business solutions with drag-and drop page layouts, point and click field creation, customizable reporting dashboards, and customizable reporting dashboards.

Platform as a Service (Paas), a branch of cloud computing that allows users develop, run and manage their applications without getting involved in storage, code, infrastructure, etc.

Clouds: Public, private and hybrid

There are many types of platform services. Each PaaS option can be either private or public.

Public PaaS is hosted on the cloud. The provider manages its infrastructure.

Private PaaS is stored on-site servers or private networks, and maintained by the user.

Hybrid PaaS combines elements from public and private sectors, and can execute applications from multiple cloud infrastructures.

PaaS can further be classified depending on whether it's open-source or closed-source, mobile compatibility (mPaaS), as well as what business types it caters. PaaS is a new way for businesses to outsource tasks that they would otherwise have to do locally. Cloud computing has made this possible.

The most important factors to consider when choosing a PaaS provider are its integration with existing information systems, programming languages it supports, application-building tools it provides, the customization and configuration options it offers, as well as how effective the support provided by the provider.

Cloud computing allows users to access software and apps from anywhere they want, even if it is hosted by an external party, such as in the cloud.

Glossary: Anatomy of cloud computing for business

Customer relationship management (CRM: CRM, or customer relationship management) is a strategy to manage an organization's interactions and relationships with customers and potential clients. A CRM system allows companies to stay connected with customers, streamline processes, improve profitability, and maintain customer relationships.

Public cloud: A public or open cloud is simply the cloud. This cloud is accessible to the public, and it is provided by a third-party.

Private cloud: A private cloud can only be owned by one company. A corporation, university or other organization can set up its own infrastructure to create a private cloud. Public access is not allowed to private clouds. These clouds can be called an internal cloud, corporate cloud, or on-premises.

Hybrid cloud: This hybrid cloud allows for both a private and public cloud to meet its computing needs. A company will typically use its private cloud to perform critical functions, while a public cloud is used when it has higher computing demands.

Multicloud: This is when an organization or user uses multiple cloud services from different third parties. This can be done to reduce risk and test new cloud functionality.

Authentication mechanisms: Users can use a variety of authentication methods to prove their identity to gain access programs or systems. These are known as authentication mechanisms. They typically consist of something the user knows, such as a password or user ID. Or something they have, such a token or device with an IP address.

Single sign-on authentication (SSO): This allows users to access multiple services using one login method. Logging in once to Gmail will give users access to Google Drive, without the need to log in again.

Federated authentication: This authentication is similar to SSO but verifies the identity of a user across multiple networks or organizations based on agreed upon security standards.