How The Cloud Supports Modern Businesses

Businesses in today’s age of technology need to make sure that they are operating with modern solutions and practices. Many companies, in the last few years, have elected to transform the way they do business with a range of digital solutions – and one of the most common solutions that business adopt is the Cloud. Many small and medium sized tech companies have made it their business to help customers migrate to the Cloud – companies like TechQuarters, who provide managed IT support London businesses have used to make implementing Cloud solutions easier for themselves.

TechQuarters gave us a rundown of how the Cloud can support modern business practices.

Cloud Storage vs. Cloud Computing

When people talk about the Cloud, they are generally referring to one of two concepts: Cloud storage, or Cloud computing.

In truth, Cloud Storage might come under the banner of Cloud Computing; but it refers to the practice of storing data in a Cloud environment. What this means is that the data does not reside in any physical location, as the Cloud works by virtualising computer resources, so that they reside over an internet network – it is sometimes a bit confusing to think about, but the upside of this approach is that data can be deposited and accessed from any location in the world, provided the user has an internet connection.

Cloud Computing encompasses a wider range of services and solutions. For instance, outsourced IT support London-based providers like TechQuarters specialise in often incorporate a range of Cloud Computing solutions, like server hosting, cloud-based telephony and communications to helpdesks, and much more. The Cloud works by virtualising all the computer resources you would find on a physical PC, and making those resources accessible from anywhere, via an online platform. This means that businesses can access all kinds of modern solutions, such as Cloud apps, Platform-as-a-Service, Desktop-as-a-Service, and Software-as-a-Service. With Cloud Computing, a business can go completely remote and operate as efficiently and productively as they did in the office – except with generally lower overheads, and in most cases, performance increases with remote working solutions.

Mobile workspace

The great thing about the Cloud is that it can enable employees to work from anywhere, provided they have an internet connection. For instance, the Cloud supports storage solutions that let users access their documents and files remotely and while they are on the go (such as while commuting or travelling for work); most of the major email clients are Cloud-based now, meaning you can access your emails on any device, in any location. Tying in with Cloud storage, users can also share files very easily, and in a much more secure way.

Backup & Disaster Recovery

The Cloud can also offer unparalleled security for a business, particularly in the realm of protecting a business’ data in the event of a disaster. Disaster recovery should be a key aspect of any business’ IT support strategy. Such as disaster could be anything from an extreme weather event, or an earthquake, to a man-made disaster like a fire, or robbery. With the Cloud, a business can backup all of their data regularly – as often as every hour – and so if something happens that wipes our a business’ onsite data, it can be recovered using DR services.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

As-a-service solutions are a key aspect of cloud computing as it relates to business. Infrastructure-as-a-Service is probably the most fundamental type. It is a service that deliver key computing, network and storage resources to end-users (in most cases, an organization). It works on a pay-as-you-go basis in many cases, such as with public cloud service providers like Microsoft Azure and Google. With IaaS, a business does not need physical servers, physical storage arrays, or any other physical network equipment.

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

While Infrastructure-as-a-Service is the most fundamental form of cloud computing that a business can use, Platform-as-a-Service offers a full platform of tools for a range of Cloud-based business processes. For instance, a business using PaaS can host and deploy cloud-based apps for their users – which can range from rudimentary apps, all the way up to sophisticated enterprise applications.

Platform-as-a-service includes everything you get with Infrastructure-as-a-service, but you also get development tools for apps, business intelligences tools, a range of management tools, and much more.