“Your data is in the Cloud”. What! What’s the Cloud and where are my business or personal data files?
John Savill, Chief Architect at Microsoft, defines Cloud computing as “using someone else’s computer.” Although this definition seems simplistic, it makes Cloud computing easy for us to understand.
So how is Cloud computing going to help me, a home or business user, and what are the benefits?
For home users and many small businesses, their email and file storage would be stored in the Cloud, meaning most would only need Wi-Fi and a Firewall. For medium-size businesses and large corporates their entire business could be running in the Cloud – servers, file storage, databases etc. meaning they no longer need any physical infrastructure except a Network Switch, Wi-Fi and a Firewall in the office.
Cloud Computing offers many benefits to both home and business users, including:
- Email – Google Gmail, Microsoft 365, the best-known Cloud email services.
- Virtual computers – Servers, Firewalls.
- File storage – Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive and more.
- Worldwide Web Applications and/or Websites – Facebook, Instagram.
- Computer code libraries – GitHub, Azure DevOps and more.
With many people working from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Cloud computing grew exponentially. Four years on, many businesses and large corporates are making more use of Cloud computing or migrating fully to Cloud computing, no longer needing traditional onsite and/or datacentre-based infrastructure.
Like many technologies, Cloud Computing has its pros and cons and may not be suitable for every business. For best results, research what would work best for your business and your requirements.