These days, if you haven’t heard of “the cloud,” you probably live in a remote area far, far away from the benefits of today’s digital world. Mobile technology has spanned the globe, revolutionizing the way we live, work, and play. We’re now connected to a global market 24/7 with the ability to engage in software, Internet browsing, and virtual communication from anywhere there is a wifi connection.
So is it any surprise that cloud services have become nearly essential to businesses?
Cloud Storage Explained
Cloud storage is defined as a service that supplies remote storage and backup that can be accessed from anywhere, so long as you have Internet access.
According to Skylink Data Centers, cloud storage is also known as utility storage. However, these terms aren’t always interchangeable. Utility storage specifically refers to cloud services offered to clients through a service provider.
More and more companies are using cloud services, such as those provided by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, to unify their business and increase productivity. The subscriptions are affordable, it’s perfect for mobile use, and you are able to scale your allotted space and usage with the growth of your business.
However, not all of these cloud services are the same! There are various types. Most fall under the categories of private, public, or hybrid. The most common of these is the public cloud service. This includes Google Cloud Storage, Amazon Simple Storage, and Microsoft Azure.
Skylink further explains that cloud services are designed through data center virtualization, which applications and end-users can access. Most use a Web-based API to operate, communicating with the client application’s storage infrastructure for input/output and read/write operations.
Cloud Storage Benefits
The biggest advantage to cloud services is that it saves businesses a huge amount of money. Flexible, subscription services eliminate the need to purchase expensive hardware and equipment to manage your data in-house. It also helps you avoid the time and costs associated with maintaining and upgrading this hardware so that it meets the needs of your growing business.
Successful companies are not static in their operations. The productivity and level of activity fluctuates based on projects and needs, and should show a trend of steady growth. While more business is good business, many companies have found it astoundingly expensive to continually monitor, upgrade, and update their equipment to keep up with an upward trend.
Cloud services eliminate this problem through scalable services that are operated and maintained by an outside company. The client received top-notch equipment and service at a fraction of the price because the service provider can spread the cost across various clients. Because the cloud can handle many clients, companies can typically offer their services as a minimal price while still making a substantial profit.
Another advantage to the cloud is that there is no need for manual backups. Most services offer automated backup and saving options so you don’t have to worry about losing your data. If your hardware malfunctions, it is easily recoverable because your files, media, and other stored data aren’t saved onto your device.
Instead, it’s safe within a high-end and secure data facility that has heightened security and 24/7 monitoring to keep your information protected. Downtime is extremely rare and extra precautions are made to protect your information against worst case scenarios.
Plus, the accessibility is amazing. Whether you’re one individual or a company with multiple users, you can access your data from any device, anywhere, so long as you’re connected to the Internet. This opens up many doors for businesses who work on a global scale. It also makes it easy to collaborate with third party services or employees who work mobile from anywhere in the world.
With all of these advantages, cloud services have become a revolutionary integration into everyday business all across the world. Every day, new cloud service clients sign on board, and it’s only a matter of time before the majority of companies utilize this remarkably versatile service.
