Cloud Computing Basics

As the name suggests, cloud computing is a method of using a virtual computer literally from anywhere in the world with the same personalized experience. Cloud computing is cloud hosting taken a step higher.

Using this type of computing you can organize and have access to your data from any computer that is connected to the World Wide Web. Your user account does not exist on any single PC or laptop but on the Web and your data is saved not on a single hard-disk but, again, on the Web. This allows you to share all your data including your movies, photos, documents, etc. with whoever you want and that too instantly.

Interestingly, almost all of us are partially using cloud computing in a way. All our information that is stored on the servers of one or another internet company such as Yahoo or Picasa is actually a part of a cloud-based computing system. This is why we are able to access the data stored in our email accounts from anywhere we want.

Hence, the criteria for information to be called part of a cloud-based system include instant accessibility, transferability and mobility. The best part of it is that all the information that you own at different platforms such as workplace, email, mobile phone and social networks will get synched. Do not be alarmed, what is on the web does not necessarily have to be on display for the public. Just like your emails cannot be read by others, other data too will be protected and will be on display to only those who you intend to show it to.

One of the advantages of the cloud is for business executives. Whenever corporations buy computers they have to buy several different licensed software such as Microsoft Windows, Office and other field specific programs. With the help of cloud computing, executives can gain access to readymade computers that already have all the desired software installed. The most important advantage to corporations in such a case is cost saving. Cloud computing services offer deals at relatively lower costs because of a number of reasons such as large number of customers, low costs and mass purchases by single entities.

However, the issue of security remains a big question mark especially for corporate clients whose data is of very sensitive nature. There are three types of cloud computing services -infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and software-as-a-service (SaaS). The features that a user of cloud computing will be able to enjoy depend on the type of service he or she is using, i.e. PaaS, IaaS or SaaS. SaaS is the most commonly used type of cloud hosting service.

For more information about Cloud Computing visit Ancoris, who are a UK based Premier Enterprise Reseller of Google Apps, providing comprehensive deployment, migration, support and training services for Google Apps, Google Sites, Google Docs and everything related to Cloud Computing.

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Benefits of Cloud Computing

Even though cloud computing is still in its infancy with users gradually discovering it and how it can help them, a number of benefits have emerged. In order to holistically analyze this type of computing, read the benefits mentioned below.

Benefits for CSPs (Cloud Service Providers)

Cloud computing benefits both who use it as well as those who provide it. If you are a CSP (cloud service provider), there are a number of benefits that you will get. Some of them are as follows:

1. Optimum Utilization
If you are on the catering side of the business, your service will be typically be used by a diverse range of users who will use different types of applications, features and at different times and of different volumes. Hence, the load of the hardware will be distributed in different ways and at different times.

2. Economies of Scale
When it comes to cost, this type of computing follows the economies of scale policy. Although fixed costs are high as they are with the setup of any data center. However, the bigger you grow the lesser per unit cost gets. Hence, if you provide reliable service to your customers, your business will flourish with positive word of mouth and marginal cost will eventually decrease.

3. Flexibility
Cloud computing works on virtual servers instead of physical ones. Hence, if the load becomes too much for a particular set of hardware to handle, the data and processes can be easily shifted to another set of servers. Also when the load is relatively light, the load can be shifted to only a few servers while the others can be put to rest for the time being.

Benefits for Users
Users of cloud computing too will it to their benefit in a number of ways.

Low Cost
Since cloud computing is a service, no investment in hardware has to be made. All you need to do is to subscribe to the services of a CSP (Cloud Service Provider). Before doing so be sure that they type of cloud computing you are subscribing to is the correct one for you.

Also, if you run a business, the cost of buying licensed software will go down because of the option Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) cloud computing gives.

Accessibility
Naturally if you have all of your data on a cloud server, you can access it from anywhere and at any time given that the machine is connected to the internet.

Manageability
User of cloud computing are free of the responsibility of maintaining and upgrading the servers. Unlike how you take care of your computer by running regular security and hardware checks such as Disk Defragmentation and CheckDisk.

Flexibility
As your needs change, you can ask your CSP (cloud service provider) to add different software, licenses and more storage space to your package. This is particularly applicable to small sized businesses.

For more information about Cloud Computing visit Ancoris who are are an authorised Google Apps Reseller offering help with cloud computing and enterprise security solutions.

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