What is the Cloud?
Cloud technology, or cloud computing, takes the form of a virtual space on the Internet that is available at all times and has a flexible structure. Users can access a variety of features with ease, such as creating servers or storing data remotely. The provider is responsible for the maintenance, security, flexibility, and scalability of the services.
Some popular examples of cloud providers are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.
Over time, cloud technology has adapted to the changing needs of the digital ecosystem, explaining its various iterations.
Public Cloud
The public cloud requires no initial investment and brings together a multitude of companies—often in the thousands—under one roof, all using services provided by a third party. The same provider is in charge and controls the infrastructure, whether at the hardware or software level.
Private Cloud
In contrast to a public cloud, the private version offers features used by a single company. Popular among large enterprises, the private cloud stands out for much tighter control over data processing and storage. It addresses specific needs, especially in terms of privacy protection, which is not achievable on the same scale for the public cloud due to its generalist mandate.
Contrary to popular belief, the private cloud is not always “on-premises”; the equipment may be located in a remote data center.
Hybrid Cloud
This variation connects a private cloud infrastructure with one or more public services. Platform orchestration allows for greater flexibility according to an organization’s needs, enabling the storage of sensitive data in the private cloud while utilizing the public cloud for other practical features with proven efficiency.
The 5 Advantages of Migrating to the Cloud
- Pay Only for Necessary Resources
The cloud business model could save you significantly, as it relies on flexible billing based on your usage level of the offered services. Whether you need to increase available RAM for your cloud application from 8 to 32 gigabytes, you can select the desired options and pay as you go. However, be cautious, as resource costs can accumulate if your application suddenly becomes resource-intensive.
- Remarkable Scalability
One of the main attractions of migrating to the cloud for your application is the ease with which you can manage all its technical aspects. The technology adapts perfectly to your needs: with a few clicks, you could activate a data backup system, enable an SMS sending service, or triple your server’s power. In a traditional infrastructure, such flexibility would require significant effort to configure and maintain all these services on dedicated servers.
The cloud offers different service tiers to accommodate fluctuations in your reality, which comes with an obvious cost. Providers are transparent in this regard and offer cost simulators to help you plan your expenses effectively.
- Secure Data
In a recent report on threats to cloud technology (2020), Oracle and KPMG highlighted that “40% of our respondents feel that the public cloud is much safer than what can be achieved with traditional infrastructures.”
This perception likely stems from the fact that cloud providers have a wide range of security certifications. Providers adhere to certain standards or certifications to concretize their level of security and foster a trust relationship with the public. Examples include:
- ISO/IEC 27001: International standard for information security systems
- ISO 27017: Guidelines for information security measures applicable to the provision and use of cloud computing services
- ISO/IEC 27018: Protection of personal data in cloud computing
However, it’s important to note that this is a “security perception” because, even though these private clouds have numerous certifications, the weakest link will always be the configuration of your cloud and the security of your application itself!
- Multiple Services and Features Available
The beauty of the cloud, regardless of its form, also lies in its ability to deliver a phenomenal amount of features or services ready to be deployed instantly (or almost). It is, in a way, a cornucopia for an application or any other digital project. Here’s an overview of the many possibilities available to you with the cloud:
- Develop or use artificial intelligence
- Develop serverless microservices
- Connect to IoT devices
- Create a database search tool
- Configure a cache server for your web platform (CDN)
- Use long-term data archiving solutions
- Always-Available Services
Most cloud providers boast an uptime of around 99%. Interruptions are rare, and in the event of a service outage, the unique architecture of this technology will spare you many concerns. This is a distinctive advantage of using a distributed hardware architecture in multiple locations: a cluster of independent servers operating as a single system will not stop functioning if one node fails.
An hour of service downtime averages $8,000 for a small business, $74,000 for a medium-sized business, and $700,000 for a large enterprise (Datto). Migrating your application to the cloud minimizes financial impacts thanks to exemplary reliability.
The Libéo Proposal for Your Modern Application
In conclusion, migrating to the cloud for your application has numerous significant advantages: costs reflecting your actual service usage, better scalability, remote data, a plethora of possibilities with just a few clicks, and very reliable uptime.
However, another crucial factor should not be overlooked: the efficient operation of this technology.
We are best positioned to accompany you and configure your cloud infrastructure perfectly. To fully benefit from this technology, it takes more than a magic wand; it is imperative to rely on experts who can manage all the small details that might escape you.
Feel free to reach out to our services to deploy efficient cloud solutions.
