What is Cloud Technology, and How Does It Work?

We are living in the age of knowledge-driven economics. Information is an asset, and how we share it defines the extent of our success. We have made major developments in the way we share and exchange information, however, the real game changer throughout this shift has been the emergence of cloud technology solutions.

Cloud computing and technology – popularly referred to as the cloud – has redefined the way we store and share our information. It has helped us transcend the limitations of using a physical device to share and opened a whole new dimension of the internet.

However, while cloud computing is widely recognized by name, few people really understand how it works.

WHAT IS CLOUD TECHNOLOGY

Let’s define and simplify the cloud first to understand what the cloud means, and what it does.

The cloud is a virtual space that exists on the internet. It is a storage space where people can place their digital resources such as software, applications, and files. In simpler terms, we can say that the cloud is virtual storage space on the internet.

A lot of people tend to get the cloud mixed up with the internet. However, the cloud is only one part of the internet.

Cloud computing technology allows people to use digital resources stored in the virtual space by way of networks – often satellite networks. It allows people to share information and applications without being restricted by their physical location.

WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING?

There is a lot of hype surrounding cloud computing, and understandably so – there are major benefits cloud computing brings to the table that are hard to overlook.

BETTER STORAGE

Cloud storage is not limited by the capacity of any physical device. Unlike previous storage solutions, there are no limitations on capacity. This means better and higher storage without worrying about upgrading the memory of a device.

BETTER SCALABILITY

There are a lot of companies that have fluctuating bandwidth requirements. Cloud is a beneficial tool for such clients, since it allows them to scale up when needed by drawing on remote servers. Similarly, you can scale down easily when needed. This scalability is often referred to as the ‘operational agility’ by CIOs of growing brands, and is credited for much of its success.

BETTER COLLABORATION WITH REMOTE USERS

Today’s economy requires workers to work with colleagues across multiple remote locations. Cloud computing makes it easy to share and access digital resources from any part of the globe. This allows for better collaboration between global teams.

HIGHLY AFFORDABLE

Technology cloud computing eliminates the need for physical storage hardware, which reduces the capital expenditure of many companies. These funds can then be appropriated towards innovation or research and development to pave new pathways to success.

For small companies that are still trying to find their footing, purchasing software can be expensive. Instead, such companies can use the software on a pay-per-use basis from the cloud. It is more similar to leasing out a service instead of purchasing it.

DISASTER RECOVERY

It is imperative for businesses of all sizes to invest in disaster recovery protocols. However, this requires money and expertise, which is often lacking in small companies. The cloud gives smaller corporations the ability to implement backup and recovery solutions in a cost-effective and hassle-free manner.