What is Cloud Computing? Example & Explanation Like A Pro

Cloud computing is a term for the delivery of computing services, be it servers, servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence via the internet (cloud). Here we provide a full explanation of what cloud computing means.

Innovation in digital technology continues to move quickly so you will inevitably be encouraged to follow the growing trend so that the business you run remains relevant and competitive with other competitors. 

One of the digital transformations carried out by many companies around the world is the use of cloud computing services. 

Previously, most people who wanted to use an application or system needed to download the system onto a computer or physical server in their building. However, with cloud computing services, people no longer need to bother downloading the various applications they need. 

On the other hand, with cloud computing, you and other users can use the same service online from anywhere.

Until now, cloud computing services have been used by various types of businesses and have brought various conveniences. So, what is meant by cloud computing? Here's the explanation for you.

Cloud computing is the process of delivering computing services that include servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence via the internet or the cloud. This technology is called cloud computing because the information accessed by users can be found remotely, namely in the "cloud" or virtually.

So when you use cloud computing then you will store and access data via the internet and not from your computer's hard drive.

With this cloud computing system, you can run applications, store, and process data virtually with the internet network connection to the server. In addition, all data and information held will be stored on one server and can be accessed anytime and anywhere as long as the device you are using is connected to the internet network.

Until now, cloud computing has been used by various types of businesses. For example, video game development companies use cloud services to deliver online games that can be used by millions of players around the world. 

Cloud computing is also used for the development of CRM systems where customer data can be collected from various sources into one system. With this service, companies can access information related to customers wherever and whenever they want. 

Cloud computing services are available in various types according to user needs. The following are some types of cloud computing that you can use:

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing service for software applications hosted in the cloud that you can use via a web browser, a dedicated desktop client, or an API that integrates with your desktop or mobile operating system. Thus, users can access software applications without the need to download, install or store the software and its various components on their devices or hard drives.

SaaS is also known as cloud-based software or cloud applications. Most of the software using this SaaS service is on a subscription basis with an annual or monthly fee.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing solution that provides an on-demand environment for developing, testing, running, and managing software applications. With PaaS, cloud providers will host everything from servers, networks, storage, operating system software, middleware, and databases in their data centers. 

PaaS is provided specifically so that the development team can quickly create a website or mobile application. This service is also provided so that the development team does not have to worry about the server, storage, network, and database infrastructure needed in the development process.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing service that provides enterprises with fundamental computing, networks, virtual machines, storage, operating systems, and other infrastructure. IaaS is becoming the most common computing service model because it offers the underlying infrastructure. This service also offers a pay-as-you-go basis. 

Once you understand what cloud computing is, you may be interested in using it. Currently, there are various cloud computing service providers that can help small, medium, and large business owners.

With the existence of a cloud computing service provider, companies can focus more on their core business matters such as developing service application software, carrying out marketing activities, producing and distributing goods, developing and operating services, and business support activities. 

They no longer need to build and invest in their own cloud computing IT infrastructure because they can leave the matter to cloud computing providers.

A cloud computing service provider is a third-party company that offers a cloud-based platform, infrastructure, application, or storage service. 

Instead of having to purchase, own, and maintain your own physical data center and servers, you can access technology services, such as computing power, storage, and databases, as needed from a cloud computing service provider. 

Amazon Web Services or AWS is a cloud web hosting platform from Amazon that offers a fast, flexible, reliable, and cost-effective solution. Many people think that AWS is now the leader in public cloud computing and has become a strong player in AI, database, and machine learning technologies.

As a leader in cloud computing, AWS offers more than 200 full-featured services. Some of these services include Amazon EC2, Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3), web application firewall (WAF), VPN, Key Management Service (KMS), and many more. With hundreds of products or services on offer, AWS can provide you with various solutions for your company's cloud computing needs.

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform launched by Microsoft in February 2010. Currently, Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing service provider that is growing quite rapidly. In fact, most people think that Azure is a head-to-head competitor with AWS because it performs equally well. 

Azure offers solutions for development, data storage, service management, and hosting solutions. Azure has more than 200 products and services to meet the needs of its customers for cloud computing. Some of the services or products they provide such as virtual machines, Aure SQL, Azure Cosmos DB, Content Delivery Network, VPN Gateway, and many more.

Google Cloud Platform is also one of the popular cloud computing providers that are widely used. GCP has a wide range of products or services to help you solve all kinds of business challenges with ease. Similar to AWS and Azure, Google Cloud Platform also offers similar services for various categories. Examples include computing services, storage, security, databases, AI, and others.

Alibaba Cloud was founded in 2009. Initially, Alibaba Cloud was developed to meet the needs of Alibaba's own e-commerce ecosystem. But along with its development, Alibaba Cloud services are currently offered and can be used by the public.

Alibaba is currently based in Singapore and is a strong player in Asia. To meet customer needs for cloud computing services, Alibaba offers a variety of products and services. Some of them are elastic computing, networking, database services, security, monitoring and management, middleware, the Internet of Things, and many more.

IBM Cloud was developed by IBM and offers cloud computing services for businesses. In addition, IBM also has advantages in providing services related to data analytics and machine learning that operate on its cloud platform.

To demonstrate their commitment to building their cloud infrastructure, in 2019 IBM acquired Red Hat. 

The explanation above can guide you to better understand what is meant by cloud computing. Basically, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and others via the internet. With this cloud computing service, you can store programs or data over the internet and not on your computer or hard drive

In the digital era like today, more and more companies are switching to using cloud computing services and getting various benefits. Some of them such as:

Read also: What are Servers? Meaning and Types

Once you know what cloud computing is, you may be interested in using this service. If until now you have not switched to the cloud, then it is time for you to try using this cloud computing service.