Cloud services — programs that run on the internet instead of on local devices — are quickly becoming the standard for online company operations.  as part of their business strategy, and 36% of those organizations spend more than $1 million a month on cloud services.
Cloud-based programs offer several advantages over locally stored applications.  since providers have invested heavily in data protection, such as built-in security features.
The cloud is also more convenient. As long as users have internet access, they can get to their files from anywhere on the planet.
Cloud computing can also play a role in the daily lives of a variety of people, from the average person looking to store pictures or documents on a cloud service to system engineers or IT architects managing a cloud environment.
Cloud computing, in other words, is here to stay. And if you’re looking to explore its capabilities in your career, you’ll need to earn a cloud education through an accepted technology degree.
Cloud computing — immediate access to applications like networks, databases and servers over the internet — is quickly becoming a staple in modern business. It encompasses both the public cloud — an on-demand service where data storage is managed through a third-party provider — and hybrid cloud — a mixed environment made up of public cloud and private cloud services.
Virtually all industries can benefit in some way from cloud computing services. Many companies choose to store data on the cloud rather than locally on a server. Other organizations use cloud computing to allocate user permissions so that each employee has access to the right files, networks and contacts.
 from a 1963 Massachusetts Institute of Technology project into the online file-sharing process, computing resources users enjoy today. Cloud computing as a practice leapt forward in 1999 when Salesforce, a popular customer relationship management (CRM) platform, became a successful case study for secure, online data storage.
Amazon redefined private cloud computing and hybrid cloud computing in 2006 through the debut of its Amazon Web Services. Amazon Web Services became the first cloud provider allowing users to rent virtual computers for private or corporate use. Google Docs would launch the same year, the first cloud-native office suite available online. Another prominent cloud service provider is Microsoft Azure.Â
Today, cloud computing platforms continue to evolve to parallel developments in modern cybersecurity threats. While traditional servers might lack adequate backup storage or regular security updates, thereby jeopardizing data, responsible cloud computing providers feature enhanced data security protocols and automatic security updates.
In 2012, computer technology provider Oracle introduced Oracle Cloud to the public market. For the first time, businesses using third-party cloud services had three different options to choose from: SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) and PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service).
Each type of cloud computing serves as an independent cloud service model. Companies can determine the individual type of cloud computing resources that best accommodates their size, industry and needs.
Despite their differences, . Cloud customers can store information, access data, transfer files and correspond with other users through third-party cloud services. These services are engineered to provide easy, secure cloud storage options that can be tailored for each client.
For example, a small business might only need to store receipts and transactions online. Conversely, a larger cloud service provider might require an entirely customized cloud infrastructure.
One popular type of cloud computing is SaaS, which allows users to access virtually unlimited amounts of data through an internet connection. Through the SaaS model, users obtain access to their cloud data through a web browser and a third-party cloud provider.
SaaS cloud computing services connect customers with critical online tools. You likely use SaaS applications daily without realizing it. Examples of popular SaaS programs are email, shared calendars, online spreadsheets and internet messaging tools.
A type of cloud computing often offered as an enterprise service, IaaS platforms specialize in virtualization, networking and data storage. Many IaaS providers offer pay-as-you-go payment options, so users only pay for the bandwidth and the storage limits their project requires.
Cloud service providers implement IaaS solutions to save money on server costs and hardware maintenance. IaaS programs also help minimize downtime without the need for on-site data centers.
Many companies trust IaaS cloud computing platforms to handle all corporate data, correspondence and web elements. Examples of popular IaaS providers are Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, Digital Ocean and Vultr.
A robust cloud computing solution, PaaS provides everything a customer needs to leverage full-scale cloud computing. PaaS often includes elements available for IaaS clients, but also offer tools for database management, business intelligence and business development.
PaaS cloud solutions are meant to service a client’s entire cloud life cycle. When a customer partners with a PaaS provider, they receive everything they need to create, test and deploy a customized cloud application. Many PaaS providers also offer regular cloud infrastructure updates, keeping networks well protected against emerging cybersecurity threats.
A wide variety of fields trust the cloud for regular business. Whether you’re building a cloud infrastructure, protecting your organization’s data or managing an active cloud network, your IT field likely uses cloud computing in some capacity.
The following are some of the occupations involved in cloud computing:
After completing the necessary educational steps, which may also require certifications by third-party providers, you’ll be ready to pursue an IT job. These and other career options can connect you with opportunities to leverage cloud computing daily.
Take a deep dive into network security on our blog!
Whether you’re a personal or a professional cloud user, cloud computing offers several distinctive advantages. Businesses and individuals might experience some or all of the following cloud computing benefits:
These and other benefits make cloud computing a clear upgrade over other forms of data storage, file sharing or collaborative online work.
Cloud computing is getting a lot of love from the world, and for good reason. While it can be difficult to change what seems to be working just fine, sometimes there are benefits that make the transition worthwhile. For many organizations, cloud computing falls squarely within that category.
If you’re ready to get started, discover the Cloud Computing Certificate at °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝!