In recent years, cloud computing has changed the way businesses approach IT infrastructure and become a cornerstone of modern operations. Global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards cloud-first strategies, as organisations embraced the flexibility and scalability of cloud solutions. Even so, some confusion about “the cloud” remains. At Odyssey, we understand how cloud deployment helps businesses use technology effectively.
Learn more about cloud deployment in our guide, and get in touch for more information and advice.
- Understanding the cloud
- What is cloud deployment?
- Cloud computing models
- Navigating the cloud: get in touch
Understanding the cloud
Before going further into cloud deployment, start with the basics. At its core, the cloud is a network of remote servers hosted on the internet rather than on-premises infrastructure. These servers store, manage and process data, run applications and deliver services to users over the internet.
A fundamental aspect of cloud computing is on-demand availability: 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. In short, you move your IT operations to a virtual space you can manage online.
3 cloud deployment models
Cloud deployment models are different ways of provisioning, managing and accessing cloud computing resources. They shape a business’s infrastructure and operations, and offer different levels of control, security and customisation. Here are the main models and how they apply to businesses.
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 offer scalability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness, which suits startups, small businesses and enterprises alike. 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 are paramount.
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 going through digital transformation, as they can modernise legacy systems 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
Once you understand the cloud service models, you can make informed decisions about how to use the cloud to innovate, streamline operations and grow. Whether you are building scalable infrastructure, developing and deploying applications or using software services, the cloud gives your business a flexible, scalable platform.
At Odyssey, we specialise in managed IT and cloud services for businesses of all sizes. If you are starting out in the cloud or need guidance on optimising your existing cloud infrastructure, we are here to help. Get in touch with us for expert advice tailored to your business.
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 robust 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.