You can access data just about everywhere, and the ease with which one can obtain information has emerged as one of the most important advancements in the modern technological era. However, it all started in 1963 when the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) gave the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) a grant of $2 million for Project MAC.
For the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to be eligible for this funding, the institution needed to develop a system that would make it possible for several users to control a single computer simultaneously. The rest, as they say, is history. In this particular instance, one of those enormous, antiquated computers that used magnetic tape reels for memory storage evolved into the forerunner of what is now often referred to as the cloud infrastructure or, simply, cloud computing.
What Exactly is Cloud?
As the name suggests, the Cloud is a collection of services and technologies that enables the delivery of computing services via the internet in real-time—found remotely in the Cloud or a virtual space. This gives end-users immediate access to data and applications from any location worldwide just by connecting to the internet. Simply put, with the Cloud, your data, software programs, and hardware network are no longer on-premises, and you have access to them just about anytime, anywhere.
The Different Types of Cloud Service Models
In a technical sense, cloud computing refers to diverse service models that allow users to access information remotely. Organizations and businesses can jump into the world of cloud computing through various models. The three primary types of cloud service, in order of complexity from easiest to most difficult, is Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
SaaS: Involves Software that is available via a third party over the Internet.
PaaS: Focuses on hardware and software tools available over the Internet.
IaaS: Works primarily with cloud-based and pay-as-you-go services.
In addition to IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, there are other emerging models that you might find interesting. These cloud computing models are communication as a service (CaaS), function as a service (FaaS), and monitoring as a service (MaaS)—each geared at companies looking for certain services to maintain their competitive edge in the ever-evolving market by prioritizing cloud computing.
How Does Cloud Computing Work?
In essence, the Cloud is a distributed system for exchanging data through the internet and other networks, such as satellites. Every application that runs in the Cloud has a host. The hosting firm is responsible for maintaining the massive data centers that house all of the information customers transmit to the Cloud, including its security, storage capacity, and computer power.
The most well-known corporations that host cloud services include big players such as Amazon (Amazon Web Services), Apple (iCloud), Microsoft (Azure), and Google (Google Drive).
How Cloud Computing Works @ DCWireNet
At DCWireNet, the Cloud is in our DNA. We back up all your data, applications, and programs by storing copies of them on a network of remote servers. Essentially, this is what the Cloud is all about. Unlike the standard server, these servers provide full redundancy, meaning that if one ‘virtual’ server fails, another identical ‘virtual’ server will automatically take over without disrupting your work. All you have to do is log onto the site, enter your username and password—and you’re ready to go.
The Final Cut
Over the years, Cloud computing has matured into a vital part of a streamlined backup solution that allows for secure data storage and global access (literally from anywhere around the world). As it progresses, it improves—becoming better than ever, allowing agencies of all sizes to thrive in the constantly transforming and highly competitive marketplace. So, if you want to expand the efficiency of your company exponentially, cloud computing is your best bet, and DCWireNet has covered you.
- How Does Cloud Computing Work – An Overview