The cloud: what exactly is it and how does it work?

Online shopping, mail, Microsoft Office, Dropbox and many other of our daily activities are based on the “cloud”. These solutions are very popular for their convenience, functionality and security of data processing, among other reasons. What really is “the cloud” and what is the success of cloud computing based on?

The value of the global cloud services market is growing all the time. According to Gartner research, in 2018 it was $184 trillion, and according to estimates, in 2019 it will exceed $200 trillion.

What is a “cloud”?

This is a data collection and processing service that does not require the purchase of software and installation on your own hardware. All this, along with virtual space, is provided by the service provider. It can be considered that “cloud” is a virtual hard drive, the capacity of which is continuously adjusted to the needs of users. The cloud has different types and models of services that the customer chooses and pays for its use. We will write about this in the next text.

Cloud computing: how did it start?

Cloud (a.k.a. cloud computing) is a technology that has evolved since the advent of ARPANET, the prototype of today’s Internet. The first website was created in 1990, and in 1992 – the first Internet browser. People were free to transfer data and collect information on external media, floppy disks, CDs, flash drives. However, data stored in these places could be destroyed, lost, stolen etc. The idea was to create a virtual service that would only provide customers with its server room resources and at the same time securely store data. Hosting emerged that fulfilled this role, but also had some limitations: a certain limit on disk space and a limit on the transfer of data. And at this point cloud computing became available.

How does the cloud work?

The operation of cloud computing can be compared to using electricity. If we want access, we don’t buy a power plant, we just plug ourselves into an outlet. The same is true of the cloud: it is a network of servers where we keep a variety of data and files: text, spreadsheets, photos, audio and video files. The stored data is dispersed on different servers, so that files change location in case of failure and do not get damaged. The servers are owned by the service provider. Cloud data can be easily integrated with other devices.

Advantages of cloud computing solutions

Cloud is one of the IT trends that is growing at a record fast pace. More and more companies are choosing to move their data to the cloud because of:

• security – data in the cloud is protected with constantly updated anti-virus software, preventing attacks or data leaks. Administrators also take care of servicing server rooms and storing backups. The level of data security in the cloud is determined by EU standards: ISO 27018, ISO/IEC 27001 and ANSi/TIA-942
• availability – data in the cloud is available practically all the time. In case of failure of one server, its operation is taken up by another, so the customer does not feel any interruption. It is enough to connect to the document in question from your hardware and you can already use cloud solutions. Even being offline, you can also work in the documents.
• Flexibility of operation – adapting the solution to the customer’s needs. The cloud in terms of performance matches expectations. We pay for what we consume.
• Scalability – it is possible to expand cloud to meet hardware or software needs. It is possible to select a given type and model of cloud for a specific business expectation (e.g. for small businesses and stores shared hosting will be suitable, for larger companies and online stores – VPS or private hosting).
• Cost and time savings – the cost of doing business in the cloud is incomparably less than building your own server room and data centers. In the cloud you can start working right away, without having to prepare anything.
• Ease of data collection and storage – we can access it at any time.

ITH Cloud

We have more than 10 years of experience in the telecommunications services industry as well as hosting and cloud computing. We have created a package of services to meet the needs of the most discriminating entrepreneurs. We invite you to take advantage of our offer.