The COVID-19 pandemic pushed many organisations to move more of their IT into the cloud, for its flexibility and scalability. Even so, there is still some confusion about what “the cloud” is.
This guide covers:
- Understanding the cloud
- What is cloud deployment?
- Cloud computing models
- Navigating the cloud: get in touch
Understanding the cloud
The cloud is a network of remote servers reached over the internet, instead of equipment on your own premises. These servers store, manage and process data, run applications and deliver services to users over the internet.
Cloud computing is available on demand: users can access computing resources such as storage, processing power and applications without directly managing or owning physical hardware. This works on a pay-as-you-go model, where users pay only for the resources they consume, much like utility billing.
The cloud runs on a shared infrastructure model, where multiple users or organisations use the same pool of computing resources at the same time.
What is cloud deployment?
Cloud deployment means setting up your computer systems, such as servers and storage, to run on the internet instead of in your own building. You decide on the best setup for your needs: a public cloud service, a private cloud just for your company, or a combination of both.
3 cloud deployment models
Cloud deployment models are different ways of provisioning, managing and accessing cloud computing resources. Each gives a different level of control, security and customisation.
1. Public cloud
In the public cloud model, third-party cloud providers deliver computing services over the internet. These services are shared among multiple users or organisations, who access computing resources on demand.
Public clouds are easy to scale and suit businesses of any size. Businesses can use the pay-as-you-go model to scale resources as demand changes, without upfront investment in hardware or infrastructure.
2. Private cloud
Unlike the public cloud, a private cloud is dedicated to a single organisation. It can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider, and offers greater control, security and customisation.
Private clouds suit organisations with specific compliance, security or performance requirements. They give granular control over infrastructure and data, which makes them a good fit for industries such as finance, healthcare and government, where data sovereignty and regulatory compliance matter most.
3. Hybrid cloud
A hybrid cloud combines public and private clouds, so data, applications and workloads can be shared between them. You get the scalability of the public cloud while keeping sensitive data or critical workloads in a private environment.
Hybrid clouds let businesses balance performance, cost and security against their specific needs. They are particularly useful for organisations replacing older systems, which can modernise in stages while keeping control over sensitive data and applications.
Cloud computing models
Cloud computing service models define what type of cloud service is provided and how it is delivered. Each gives businesses a different level of management, flexibility and control over their IT infrastructure and applications.
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)
IaaS provides virtual computing resources over the internet, including servers, storage and networking. Users rent these resources on demand and pay only for what they use, without managing physical hardware.
Platform as a service (PaaS)
PaaS provides a platform for developing, deploying and managing applications over the internet without managing the underlying infrastructure. It includes tools and services for application development, such as databases, middleware and development frameworks.
Software as a service (SaaS)
SaaS delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Users reach these applications through a web browser or API, with nothing to install or maintain. Examples include email, customer relationship management (CRM) and productivity tools.
Navigating the cloud: get in touch
We provide managed IT and cloud services for businesses of all sizes, whether you are starting out in the cloud or want more from the cloud infrastructure you already have. Get in touch with us for advice on your own setup.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of using the cloud?
Cloud computing offers scalability, flexibility, cost-efficiency, accessibility and better collaboration. Businesses can scale resources up or down with demand, access applications and data from anywhere with an internet connection, and reduce upfront infrastructure costs.
Is the cloud secure?
Security is a top priority for cloud providers, who put strong measures in place to protect data and infrastructure. Even so, businesses still need proper security practices and protocols to keep their data and applications safe in the cloud.
How can businesses migrate to the cloud?
Businesses can migrate to the cloud by assessing their current IT infrastructure, identifying workloads suitable for migration, choosing the right cloud deployment model and service model, and carrying out a migration strategy with the help of cloud experts or service providers.
At Odyssey, we can make the migration process simple. Contact us to learn more.