Cloud services What are they, what are they for and what are the benefits of using them?

With the development of technologythere are numerous services that have come to light to provide better user experience in the computer and digital environment. One of them refers to cloud services that also They are known as “cloud computing” and support easy data processing and storage.

In this sense, the “cloud services” has managed to eradicate those pertinent programs for computers when processing or saving information, which, they were the only alternative to be able to store data safely. Nevertheless, this has been made more flexible thanks to cloud computing which is becoming the dominant design style for new applications and the adaptation of existing ones.

However, despite the popularity of cloud services in recent years, there are still many people who are unaware of this concept or still do not understand it. For that reason, in this post, we will explain What are they, what are their advantages, what types exist so far and what are some of these cloud services.

What are cloud computing services and what are they for?

Cloud services, cloud computing or cloud computing, are defined as those services that are not physically installed on a computer or equipment. Since, are programs that can be accessed through the Internet. This means that these programs are hosted on a server accessible from any device connected to the network.

Thus, this type of computational service serves to process, centralize, store and manage information remotely thanks to the Internet, without the need to use programs and install them on the computer to be able to save data reliably. Therefore, it is a technology that allows access to said information at any time and from anywhere in the worldwithout having to connect to a local server or personal computer.

That way, the cloud services emerged as a way of democratize information and optimize the experience of all those people who depend on technological resources at a private, academic or professional level. Considering that, in general, any cloud service consists of several data processing centers that have software installed to provide good service to users.

What are the benefits of using cloud services?

Given their very nature, cloud services brought with them a series of benefits that are undeniable. Since, have managed to transform and optimize the way in which data is handled and managedat a computer level, in addition to the fact that they have provided greater independence.

That is why, it is worth knowing what its main advantages are and here, we point out each one:

• Ease of access: One of the best benefits of this technology refers to the simplicity it provides to access your data, from any computer and no matter where you are. Since, it is only required to have an Internet connection for it. Therefore, users enjoy continuous availability of your information.
• great speed: Fortunately, cloud computing allows access to services and/or applications without having to download them beforehand. Therefore, both individuals and large companies can take advantage of this to speed up data management processes and obtain greater speed in the implementation of your plans around your information.
• A guaranteed security: Another advantage that is worth bearing in mind is that data in the cloud is safer than on computers, as it was previously stored. In view of that, the cloud service has replicas of your data from processing centers where all the information is kept safe. Therefore, if it is destroyed or damaged, there will be no losses.
• Saving money: Fortunately, cloud services also provide cost savings on server hardware, software, and maintenance. Well, it offers the possibility of renting a certain service and paying only for what is consumed. You can even hire specifically what you need (no more no less).
• Automation and ease of use: By default, the service provider takes care of everything and thanks to that, you will not have to worry about resources, maintenance, updates or possible improvements. In addition, they are characterized by being easy-to-use platforms, because they are specifically designed for non-advanced users.
• It contributes to the efficient use of energy: Unlike traditional data centers in which servers consume much more energy than is actually necessary, cloud services they only expend the required energy and thereby significantly reduce waste.

Uses of the cloud What applications does this information technology have?

Due to its remarkable scope, cloud technology stands out as a paradigm that allows offering computing services through a network and thanks to this, it has different uses or applications in the computing environment. So it is likely that you are currently using the cloud and you are not aware of it. Therefore, to learn more about how this new utility works, it is necessary to know what are its different uses.

Which we mention below:

Data storage and backup

One of the main applications of this information technology is based on its ability to store or save information remotely that can be accessed at any time, through different devices and regardless of location. In addition, in order to protect and recover them, takes care of creating quality backupsperiodically.

Building native cloud apps

Leveraging the capabilities of the cloud as an innovative technology, users also have the ability to build, deploy, and scale web, mobile, and API applications with remarkable speed and ease. This, thanks to cloud-native approaches and techniques (such as: microservices architectures, containers, API-based communications, Kubernetes, and DevOps).

Analysis of data

As if that were not enough, with cloud computing it is also efficient unify all your data across teams, divisions and locations in the cloud, to acquire a more detailed, efficient and optimal analysis. Whereas, it allows the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to discover information accuratelythrough which to ensure more pertinent decision-making.

Test and build apps

Through the cloud, you can also develop applications through the use of infrastructures of this type, in order to reduce cost and time that these processes entail, by nature. Given the, this technology allows vertical scaling with great ease.

Deliver software on demand

Also know as “SaaS service”software on demand allows provide the latest versions and/or software updates to customers, whenever they need them and where they want them. This, thanks to cloud computing capabilities.

Types of cloud service What are all the ones that exist?

For Learn more about how it works of cloud computing, it is important to know what are the different types of cloud service that are distinguishedto this day.

Taking into account that, two classifications are handled, according to the service provided and according to the property of the service:

Depending on the service offered

Basically, refers to the acronyms SaaS, IaaS and SaaS.

Next, we explain what each of these types of cloud services consist of:

Software as a service or “SaaS”

is one who admits connecting to and using cloud-based applications from the Internet. Therefore, it consists of a type of cloud service provided by the use of an application users to connect to it using the Internet.

In this way, they provide a wide range of functionalities in the cloud and the data is located in the data center of the provider company. Thus, they are based on business applications (spreadsheets, word processing, etc.), photo editing suites, video hosting platforms and also CRM.

Thanks to this, it guarantees the following benefits to its users:

• Free access to cloud solutions. Since SaaS applications or software have the ability to run from the web, without installing or downloading an extra file.
• They facilitate access to the data from any site and/or device (mobile or desktop). Therefore, the information will not be at risk of loss, in case the equipment breaks down.
• As usual, this type of cloud service provides ideal systems and applications for the competitiveness of your data, strategies or resources.

Infrastructure as a service or “IaaS”

Without a doubt, it refers to the most basic form of cloud computinggiven that IaaS provides users with access to different common infrastructure concepts (data storage and networks, server space, what they can do through an API, etc.).

Which means, it’s about a replication of the functionality of a traditional data center in a hosting environment, basically. For its part, this type of cloud service is characterized by being an instantaneous computing infrastructure that is managed by the network. In this way, it avoids the complexity of managing data centers and avoid additional costs.

Despite being simple, it also reveals certain advantages, which are:

• Ensures remarkable reliability and stability, because there is no need to maintain or update software or hardware or troubleshoot internal issues. Considering that the provider is in charge of the infrastructure at all times.
• Features improvements around recovery against disasters without additional costs and even provides business continuity. Well, It has high availability and continuity.
• It is also a technology that manages to adapt to the conditions of each business by studying the availability of resources to adapt to increases in application demand, quickly and agilely. In addition, it makes sure not to invest additional resources.

Platform as a service or “PaaS”

Is about a complete development environment in the cloud, both from simple cloud-based applications as well as more complete business applications that are enabled to work in the cloud. That is, with this type of cloud services the possibility of create, change and optimize applications and software.

In this sense, the providers of said service focus on offering the necessary resources via secure access over the Internet. In addition, thanks to its nature, it stands out as the pertinent solution for guarantee the life cycle of web applicationsfrom design procedures, tests, administration, implementation and updating.

As for its biggest pros, we highlight:

• Supports development for multiple platforms and thus, it provides opportunities for faster and easier creation of applications, through different platforms: browsers, computers and mobiles.
• They are apt to acquire a reduction in encoding time. Well, by default, the development tools of the type PaaS they reduce the time spent on coding processes for new applications.
• These tools allow access to analytical and business intelligence tools by organizations and companies. Thanks to that, they are modern technological utilities.

Depending on the property of the service

There are three other types of cloud service that are based on service ownership and basically refer to the basic models of cloud computing available to companies considering using this technology. In that sense, your choice will depend on factors such as: availability, cost, performance and expectations.

Next, we indicate which ones they are:

public cloud

It refers to a shared cloud infrastructure that is created, executed and operated by the direct providers of the service. Which, are in charge of delivering computing resources of servers and storage on the Internet. Thus, in the public cloud everything is available on the web and thus, provides benefits such as pay-per-use prices and stability on demand.

Now, in its entirety, the public cloud supplies the software, hardware and supporting infrastructure. In addition, among its implications, it is highlighted that: The server resources are shared among all the provider’s clients, the information is stored on third-party servers (you will not be the owner), updating and maintenance is the task of the company in charge and no initial infrastructure investment needed.

private cloud

This, unlike the public cloud, is characterized by providing computing resources that are for the exclusive use of a single organization or company. Thanks to this, you will be the owner of your infrastructure and you will have greater power over it. Taking into account that, physically, it is located in the company’s data center, thanks to the fact that data is kept safe on a private network.

In this sense, the main characteristics of the private cloud as a type of cloud service, depending on the property of the service; are as follows: Guarantee a higher degree of security because the information is not managed by third parties, both the servers and the infrastructure is ownthe initial investment must be higher, the update and maintenance costs are higher, in addition to the hardware manages to adapt to the requirements of each organization.

hybrid cloud

As the name implies, a hybrid cloud refers to a combination of a cloud public and one private. In other words, this solution presents the possibility of obtaining the benefits offered by each of these types of cloud services. Since while you can have your own serversyou can also use the public cloud for certain functionalities in certain specific cases.

Thus, a flow of data and information through the private and public cloud is an opportunity to optimize the ways of implementation of the company or organization, thanks to the fact that this system is linked by a technology that facilitates the transmission of data and applications between them. Regarding its advantages, it is highlighted that: It achieves enhance flexibility and scalabilitylike safeguard sensitive operations and data.

Learn about the best cloud services that will make your life easier

Finally, it is essential to know what are the best cloud storage services out there todayto store all types of data and backups, in a simple, easy and safe way.

Here are 5 of them worth trying:

google drive

For sure, google drive It is one of the most recognized cloud storage services in the world. Since automatically provides access by having a Google email account to enter Google Play services. That way, offers a free 15 GB service and numerous features that allow you to host any type of data, reliably.

For its part, it is an ideal service for sharing files between different accounts without taking up extra space on devices. Added to this, it stands out for being a very helpful alternative to access spreadsheet programs, text editing and presentations, to perform various office tasks. Fortunately, is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux and Android.

iCloud

Users of Manzana they have this iCloud cloud service on hand, totally free. Well, it is a tool that was designed by the brand itself Manzana and thanks to that, by default, it is included in the Apple account, the operating system and/or the iPhone and iPad. With which, these users have 5 GB of available storage.

Among other details, iCloud provides features such as: creating image and video files, just like your edit. In addition to this, it also allows manage texts in real size and with their own formatssync different devices, make a security copy, etc. However, it is not compatible with Android or Windows.

dropbox.com

As well as the solutions mentioned above, drop box is also characterized as a widely recognized and used cloud service. By nature, just by registering in advance, people will be able to enjoy 2.75 GB of storage completely free. In addition, it allows you to make subscriptions to acquire greater storage or even unlimited.

Fortunately, drop box It is compatible with most operating systems, that is: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac and Linux. Therefore, it is characterized by being a platform that offers the possibility of synchronizing the content on different computers and even share files or folders with other users. Thus, it is an interface dedicated to protecting information, purely.

OneDrive

if you own one Microsoft account either Hotmail, automatically, you will have access to this cloud computing service that, without paying anything, Provides 5 GB space to save your data safely making use of this technology. Including, for licensed Office 365 users, OneDrive provides a total space of 1 TB of storage.

As a consequence, this platform is considered one of the best options available in the cloud service environment. In addition to that, it should be noted that OneDrive includes Microsoft products, including Office ones, and thanks to this, it is possible edit Word, Excel, PowerPoint and One Note documents as normal on the platform. In addition, it achieves a fairly fast synchronization, but only support Microsoft system.

box.com

To conclude this list, we emphasize this other cloud service alternative that, although it is not as popular as the others, provides optimal data management for your users. Since, starting with your free subscription, it offers a total of 10 GB of storage and has several payment plans, classified as personal and business that provide great capacity and includes security reports, SSL encryption, mobile access, etc..

On the other hand, to your advantage, Box is a platform based on productive and business storage, so it’s really productive. Whereas, you have implemented the ability to create and edit text documents or presentations simultaneously by multiple users and guarantees hardware encryption. Also, it is easy to use, reliable, technical and cross-platform.