The Basics of Cloud Computing Services

You've probably heard all sorts of buzz about cloud computing services without any real clear definition being supplied. So here it is - the unofficial A to Z of the cloud. 

"The cloud" is an offsite network. From the point of view of the cloud user, everything that he or she is using to compute, except the actual workstation, is hosted elsewhere, on a net based server. This gives the end user access to all the programs, tools and technology without having to pay for each upgrade or purchase endless lists of licenses. 

Cloud computing services charge a usage fee, which is often paralleled with the national power grid. You pay for the electricity you use without having to worry about installing your own generator: when you cloud compute, you pay for the computing power you use without having to host it yourself. 

The instant advantages of the cloud are twofold. You can use better technology for a reduced cost; and you don't have to devote office space to server rooms and data storage facilities. 

Because you are paying for the use of the cloud, you don't have to budget for IT upgrades anymore. Cloud computing services upgrade themselves - you just keep on using the end products. 

Your computers become workstations, usage ports connected to the cloud no matter where you take them. That means no more issues with data storage - all your data can be stored in the cloud - and no more hardware problems. When you cloud compute your PCS and laptops are interface devices that get you in to a much more powerful and secure server than the ones you have traditionally used in your office environment. 

Like any new technology, there's a transitional period associated with the cloud. Current wisdom suggests that you should move your business into cloud computing services one part at a time. Start with backup and support, then move your email and applications. Your final step is to shift your data from in house environments to the cloud. 

Paying for only the computing power you need, when you need it; and getting access to the latest versions of all the tools you need to conduct your business; are powerful reasons for moving up into the cloud. Every transition will of course be dictated by the nature of your business and the concerns specific to it. You can have a cloud computing services provider conduct a full consultation with you to determine how best to utilize the cloud for your business: take advice first and start moving in once you have a clear idea of how the move is going to progress. 

Finally: how does the cloud work? Very simply. It works like the Internet - you log onto a net based application, which gives you access to all of the software, hosting services and backup you need.

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