Cloud Computing Works by separating the hardware from the operating environment (operating system & applications) allowing them to run virtually independent from one another. With Cloud Computing, the hardware can be a single server, or server hundreds of servers spread thousands of miles from one another.
What this means:
In Cloud Computing, the components that are used to make a server run are typically distributed across many systems to help performance and to prevent a single point of failure- so your business keeps running.
In fact, Cloud Computing users typically wouldn’t even notice if one or even several of the underlying hard drives went down (“crashed” or “died”). This is because the Cloud Computing virtual environment is distributed among all these actual underlying resources usually in such a manner to provide redundancy or continued operability in the event of hardware failure.
Note that we said usually. Because of the latitude in creating a virtual environment, or cloud infrastructure, a Cloud Computing Company may not offer the underlying hardware requirements that your company needs or expects.
Therefore, it is critical as a business owner you understand what a Cloud Computing provider is offering you and that you keep in mind that there can be large differences in what is offered. We give an analogy in the next section to help make cloud computing a bit more understandable. But if you’re eager to get started, we want to suggest that you carefully review a Cloud Computing company’s agreement before you sign it to ensure it enforces what was told to you, and that you fully understand the pros and cons of cloud computing before you commit to using cloud computing.
Alternatively, you can simply contact us. We are happy to assist you in learning about Cloud Computing and determining what aspects of Cloud Computing is right for your company.
How Cloud Computing Works
Visualize a large office building. Most companies never buy a building instead they pay a monthly lease for their office space. As a business owner you have the option to choose office spaces that are already laid out and even furnished, or you can have your office space built to your specification. By designing your own office layout, you can have it designed for efficiency and as secure as needed.
You can think of Cloud computing in the same way. There are pre-configured applications that your organization can use, such as a CRM solution from Salesforce.com, Microsoft Office 365, and many more. But should your company use these cloud computing offerings?
What about the build-to-suit cloud offerings (Virtual Private Cloud Computing) where a business can have a Cloud Computing network that is specifically designed to improve the business operations while reducing costs and freeing up capital?
For some companies there are huge advantages of cloud computing as their primary technology, but for others, only some aspects of cloud computing will be beneficial. The best thing a business owner can do is to contact a Cloud Computing consulting company that specializes in assisting businesses in determining what, (if any) aspects of Cloud Computing they should use.
What is critical about Cloud computing?
What is most critical about Cloud computing is actually identifying what is most important for your business operations. Since you can have a Cloud Computing environment tailored to your businesses’ operational needs through Virtual Private Cloud Computing.
With real estate, the build-to-suit option can be very expensive; with Cloud Computing it can not only be more cost effective than what your company is already using, it can also open new opportunities for your company as well.
Cloud Computing works by allowing companies to use the hardware & software that others have invested in. This frees your company to no longer invest in spending so much money in buying, maintaining & upgrading so much computer hardware & software.
With Cloud Computing businesses have their data running on more robust equipment, massive Internet bandwidth, redundant Internet connections, and automated backups (in an average virtual private cloud computing configuration).
Want to know how Cloud Computing can best help your company? Then simply contact us. No commitment, no obligation, no pressured sales. Simply contact us and we can discuss where Cloud Computing can best help your company.
Not sure if you’re ready to contact someone yet? That’s ok. You may be interested in learning more about how cloud computing can help your business. If so, see the Pros and Cons of Cloud computing for a detailed list of the reasons for and against Cloud Computing.
To learn more about Virtual Private Cloud Computing and Hybrid Cloud Computing you can watch the Virtual Private Cloud Computing overview which also discusses the uses of hybrid cloud computing.
Others interested in learning how cloud computing works, found our Cloud Computing Diagrams page helpful.
To speak with a Cloud Computing consultant about how cloud computing works, and if it is beneficial for your company to use cloud computing, please contact us.