Cloud Technologies Examples and Uses for Beginners

By: Sean Cummings

February 24, 2023

Cloud Technologies Examples and Uses for Beginners

Cloud computing enables users to store, process, and communicate information on the internet easily and securely. Users can work online and share their work with nominated groups, including line managers and department heads. One of the great things about this information sharing is the capability to transfer your business data from one service provider to another using cloud migration services.

Many people use cloud computing services without knowing it. For example, Gmail is a cloud-based email server, and Google Drive is a cloud-based data storage service where you can save family photos and backup files.

Types of Cloud Computing Services That Can Be Transferred Using Cloud Migration Services

There are three main types of cloud computing services, depending on your source:

1) Software as a service (SaaS)

2) Infrastructure as a service (IaaS

3) Platform as a service (PaaS) 

SaaS

There’s no need to install software on your computer because you can access the software app online via a cloud service provider or vendor. The most common SaaS apps are web or mobile applications accessed from a web browser.

Users are responsible for all software-related processes and functions, while the vendor is responsible for hardware, including runtime, middleware, servers, storage, and networking.

SaaS examples of cloud computing include the following:

  • Google Workspace (Gmail)
  • Dropbox
  • Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook)
  • Slack
  • DocuSign
  • Hubspot

IaaS

IaaS includes infrastructure components, amongst which are storage, networking, servers, virtualization, and cloud-based. The cloud user takes on the management responsibilities related to the operating system and apps. The vendor or service provider manages hard drives and hardware and also takes care of outages (downtime), bugs, and other hardware-related issues.

IaaS examples include the following:

  • AWS EC2
  • Google Computer Engine
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Magento 1 Enterprise Edition
  • Digital Ocean

PaaS

A third-party cloud service provider (vendor) is responsible for the hardware and application software, while users are responsible for cloud application function and operation, as well as essential app data.

This type of cloud computing platform works well for software developers and programmers who need a dedicated space to work but need to share their work with department managers and business owners.

PaaS examples include the following:

  • Windows Azure
  • Google App Engine
  • Force.com
  • Adobe Magento Commerce Cloud
  • AWS Elastic Beanstalk

Types of Cloud Computing

There are four types of cloud computing. They are:

1) Private clouds

2) Public clouds

3) Hybrid clouds

4) Multi-clouds

Private Clouds

They are closed cloud environments accessible to only a specific individual or dedicated group. The environment operates behind a firewall. There are many vendors who own data centers in the cloud. This enables individuals and businesses to “rent” space where they can build private clouds.

There are two main subtypes.

1) Managed Private Clouds – While customers still create their private clouds, the cloud computing service providers manage several functions on their behalf; for example, deployment, configuration, and management.

This type of cloud computing works well for those just starting out in business and who don’t yet have the capacity to create an IT department. It also fills a gap for established businesses that are having trouble finding suitably skilled and qualified IT staff.

2) Dedicated Private Clouds – A dedicated cloud is a private cloud within a private or public cloud. An example of a cloud within a cloud is when a company’s department (software programs development) has a dedicated private cloud that is within the company’s overarching private cloud.

It’s a good option for businesses that have so many departments that the cloud becomes a confusing mess. The separation of departments or even the separation of tasks for a startup business is much easier to manage and maintain. 

Public Clouds

Customers use the infrastructure provided by public cloud service providers to create their own environments. Public cloud providers include Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Hybrid Clouds

Hybrid cloud computing involves single IT environments created from multiple environments; for example, a combination of public and private clouds or a virtual environment connected to a combination of public and private clouds.

The various environments are connected through local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), virtual private networks (VPN), and application programming interfaces (APIs).

Multi-Clouds

As the name suggests, they consist of more than one cloud service from more than one cloud-based service vendor, and they can be public or private. You’re right if you think it sounds like a hybrid model because all hybrid clouds are multi-clouds. However, it’s not vice versa.

For a multi-cloud to change into a hybrid cloud, it needs to be connected by a type of integration or coordinated arrangement. Multi-clouds are becoming increasingly popular because they offer enhanced security and more space for data storage.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has several benefits for all types of businesses, regardless of size and how long they’ve been in operation. The overall cost-effectiveness of cloud computing makes it ideal for people who have just opened their doors and small business operations.

The benefits include the following:

  • Scalability – The ability to increase or decrease the hardware and software required.
  • Payment-per-use – Business owners only pay for what they use.
  • Speed – Everything happens online, so it happens almost immediately. It’s also easy to update and upgrade apps.
  • Worldwide audience – If it’s online, it can be accessed by anyone with permission (or anyone at all). 

The Best Cloud Computing Services

In no particular order, five of the best cloud vendors include:

1) Amazon Web Services (AWS)

2) IBM Cloud

3) Google Cloud Platform

4) Microsoft Azure

5) Oracle Cloud

Easy Cloud Transfer With Cloud Migration Services

It may sound easy to do absolutely everything related to cloud computing on your own, and it is for some people. However, others can rely on third-party service providers such as Laminar Consulting.

Laminar Consulting provides professional cloud migration services, which is one thing fewer to worry about. Contact Laminar today by calling (888) 531 9995 for innovative cloud migration services!

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