By DeVry University
May 13, 2023
10 min read
May 13, 2023
10 min read
What is cloud computing? At its most basic, cloud computing is a means of storing data needed to run various applications. Many businesses today are using cloud computing as an alternative to purchasing, operating and maintaining their own on-premises servers. In this article we will define cloud computing, discuss who uses this technology and for what purpose, describe different cloud service and deployment models and itemize some of the benefits of cloud computing.
Cloudwards defines cloud computing as using the internet to connect to online services that are hosted in the cloud, which can include everything from simple cloud storage to cloud infrastructure platforms like AWS and online streaming platforms. The term “cloud computing” was first used in 1996 by a group of executives at Compaq Computers, who according to MIT’s Technology Review, were “plotting the future of the internet business.” Today, Merriam Webster defines cloud computing as “the practice of storing regularly used computer data on multiple servers that can be accessed through the Internet.”
Healthcare
Financial Services
Video Games
Manufacturing & Infrastructure
Fitness
Real Estate
Media & Entertainment
Cloud computing is an operational strategy that many companies choose for their IT infrastructure needs. It allows them to outsource IT infrastructure to a third-party cloud computing service provider, rather than investing in the hardware and resources needed to maintain their own cloud infrastructure. Once set up, companies can plug in to their chosen provider’s infrastructure and access resources from virtually any device with an internet connection.
Cloud services are provided using a remote server versus an on-site server and are managed by a third-party provider. Cloud services are only accessible via the internet, and follow one of these three models:
Provides servers, data storage and networking on a pay-as-you-go basis
Allows for maximum control in application development
Requires experienced in-house development operation specialists to manage
Provides middleware, database management, operating systems and development tools needed to build applications
Supplies an on-demand environment for developers to create, test, deliver and manage applications quickly
Eliminates time spent on development operations
Most common and well-known service model on the market today
Covers hosting and management of applications, including future maintenance such as needed upgrades and security patches
Accessed from a user-friendly portal such as a web browser
Price structuring is typically on a per-user basis
Cloud deployment models are defined by where the infrastructure for deployments lives, how it’s accessed and who has control over it.
Here are three ways that cloud services may be deployed:
Cloud and its infrastructure are owned, operated and managed by a third-party provider
Accessed via the internet
Cloud is operated exclusively for the benefit of a single business or organization
Infrastructure is either on-site or hosted with a third-party provider
Accessed via a closed, private network
Combines public and private cloud functionality
Uses technology to allow data and services to move between the two
Accessible via closed network or open internet depending on request
Consumers can access resources without administrator support.
Resources are available wherever there is an internet connection, using standard devices such as mobile phones, laptops and workstations.
Computing resources are pooled to serve multiple users at once, with capacity planning happening dynamically to assign and reassign resources as needed.
Delivery models make data provisioning capabilities practically unlimited, allowing for any quantity of provisions to be provided at any time.
Resource utilization can be monitored, controlled and measured through an automated metering capability typically built into cloud-based systems.
When considering the costs associated with buying, installing, housing and maintaining their own servers, some businesses may find that it is more cost-efficient for them to outsource to a cloud services provider. Cost considerations here include:
According to Oracle, businesses using cloud computing can experience increases in input/output operations per second (IOPS). In its 2019 State of IT Infrastructure Management survey, global IT infrastructure solutions provider INAP reported just how important a network’s speed is to IT leaders and infrastructure managers. The managers surveyed cited data performance as one of their four major reasons for moving data operations off-premises, and 42% indicated improved network performance as their primary reason for migrating networking operations to the cloud.
For businesses considering migrating data to the cloud, reliability factors often include disaster recovery, compliance with industry regulations and automatic software updates. Cloud-based services automatically update tools, which reduces interruption into a company’s workflow. When power, data or confidential customer information is lost, multiple redundancies make sure there’s a copy of the data required to continue operations.
Today’s businesses depend heavily upon data and its safeguarding against cyberattacks. Cloud providers are well-versed in security details like authentication, encryption and permissions. For this reason, it may be advantageous for businesses to outsource their data and data management processes to a more secure, off-site environment.
While there are many benefits to cloud computing, there are also challenges to consider. Specifically, the cost of migrating to the cloud could outweigh the potential return on investment.
For example, some applications that are critical to a business may not have been originally built for the cloud. The migration of these applications could end up requiring significant cost to rework the code and adapt the application to the cloud environment with full functionality, or risk compromising the application’s performance by retrofitting it to work with a cloud deployment model.
Additionally, remaining competitive in application performance becomes increasingly difficult as cloud computing becomes more pervasive.
With various businesses utilizing the same cloud computing providers and services, differentiating yourself from competitors becomes less about the speed of capabilities and more about what is produced. If your IT infrastructure is managed in-house/on-premises and your capabilities aren’t performing as quickly as your competitors, it’s going to be harder for you to compete online without migrating to the cloud.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Microsoft Azure
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Alibaba Cloud
Oracle Cloud
IBM Cloud (Kyndryl)
Tencent Cloud
OVHcloud
DigitalOcean
Linode (Akamai)
Cloud Computing Technologist
Cloud Support Specialist
Virtualization Specialist
Computer Network Support Specialist
Cloud & Workspace Administrator
Cloud Services Associate
Entry Level
To prepare to pursue roles like IT help support specialist, IoT (Internet of Things) technician, computer network support specialist or network technician, earn an undergraduate certificate or associate degree. Our 100% online Undergraduate Certificate in Cloud Computing or our Associate Degree in Information Technology can help teach you skills like wired, optical and wireless technologies, the basics of IoT technology, developing enterprise and cloud-based systems, executing data center operations and more.
Moving Up
If you’re looking to prepare to pursue higher level positions, consider earning a bachelor’s degree. We offer several technology-related bachelor’s degree programs that can all be earned online, including our Specialization in Cloud-Based Networking and Virtualization, which can be earned as part of our Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking. This degree program can help prepare you to pursue careers like computer systems analyst, cloud and workspace administrator, cloud computing technologist, virtualization specialist and others.
Management Level
Improve your managerial skills while further building your technical knowledge by earning a master’s degree. Our Master’s in Network and Communications Management or Information Systems Management can help you expand your IT and networking skillset and pursue senior-level management roles like network and computer systems administrator, data security analyst, IT project manager or information systems security analyst.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
A foundational-level certification that helps you build an understanding of AWS Cloud concepts, services and terminology.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate
Focused on the design of cost and performance-optimized solutions, this certification helps demonstrate a strong understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
AWS Certified Developer-Associate
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of core AWS services, uses basic AWS architecture best practices. This certification can help you build proficiency in developing, deploying and debugging cloud-based applications by utilizing AWS.
AWS SysOps Administrator-Associate
Helps organizations identify and develop talent with essentials skills for putting cloud initiatives in place. This certification also helps demonstrate experience in deploying, managing and operating workloads on AWS.
Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals
Confirms basic knowledge of cloud concepts and services and how those services are provided through Microsoft Azure.
Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate
Azure Administrators are often part of a larger team to implement a company’s cloud infrastructure. Candidates for this certification should be familiar with security, networking and application development.
Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate
Candidates for this certification are cloud developers who partner with cloud administrators, database administrators and clients to implement solutions.
As the global cloud computing market continues to grow, we can help you prepare to pursue career opportunities in cloud computing with an Online Undergraduate Certificate in Cloud Computing. As part of our cloud computing certificate program, you will receive hands-on experience with digital devices, sensors and cloud-based tools to build relevant IoT systems. You will also have the chance to develop skills in wired, optical and wireless technologies, cloud computing, data center virtualization, network design and more.
Explore 100% online classes starting every 8 weeks.
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In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, www.tn.gov/thec. Lisle Campus: 4225 Naperville Rd, Suite 400, Lisle, IL 60532. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online complaint system https://complaints.ibhe.org/. View DeVry University’s complaint process https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-complaint-procedure.html Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.
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