Cloud computing refers to the hosting and delivery of computing services through the “cloud”. Simply put, the cloud is a pool of virtual computers and servers that are linked together and accessible via the Internet.
Though the term may be relatively recent, it stems from ideas that first evolved in the 1950s such as Distributed and Grid computing.
Rajkumar Buyya, in a co-authored book published 2008 titled ‘Market-oriented cloud computing: Vision, hype, and reality for delivering IT services as computing utilities’ defined the cloud as:
a type of parallel and distributed system consisting of a collection of interconnected and virtualized computers that are dynamically provisioned and presented as one or more unified computing resources based on service-level agreements established through negotiation between the service provider and consumers.
Web 2.0 undoubtedly accelerated technological evolutions in the 21st century, but the cloud is one of the most impactful game-changers. It allows data to be stored online and accessed from virtually anywhere which has triggered an unending chain of applications for the tech industry and beyond.
Below are five ways cloud computing is changing narratives in the tech industry.
1. Scalability
The cloud improves the abilities of tech businesses to scale resources and operations relative to the requirements of the business. It can accommodate unexpected network expansion quickly. This ability of cloud services to integrate systems and tools, coupled with the prowess of wireless networking devices, gives room for easy scalability when additional services are needed.
2. Flexibility
With the cloud, there is the added advantage of automation. Workflows such as data entry, storage, analysis, and scheduling are easier since it’s all connected to the internet. This enhances optimization and effective day-to-day administration of the business.
3. Data Management
One of the main advantages of the cloud is proper data management. The cloud offers much higher storage capabilities than on-premise options, and data synchronization is way easier.
Sourcing, organizing, and analyzing data is simpler when they are stored in the cloud. Also, in the event of data loss, you do not require complex data recovery plans as cloud service providers typically take care of such issues.
4. Cost efficiency
Tariffs in cloud services are often structured on a pay-per-use basis. This reduces business expenditure because resources are acquired only when needed.
Cloud computing also reduces labor and maintenance costs since the burden of purchasing major computer infrastructure has been shifted to the service provider.
5. Remote and self-service operations
Expectedly, the tech industry is ever tilting towards remote services, especially as the coronavirus pandemic altered conventional protocols. While some businesses now offer hybrid services, where you can access services in person and online, others have switched entirely to online-only business models.
This has led to the proliferation of self-service applications. Prime examples are MTN Nigeria’s chatbot ‘Zigi’ and Ustacky’s mobile application.
Become a Cloud Computing Professional
As cloud technologies continue to evolve, more uses and applications of cloud computing will spring up across the board. Inadvertently, this will increase the demand for cloud computing professionals. And it is always an advantage to prepare ahead.
Ustacky is currently offering a Cloud Computing Microdegree with a whopping 80% discount. This program helps you start “your journey to the cloud” and qualifies you as an AWS CERTIFIED CLOUD PRACTITIONER.
Economic of scale is a major advantage of cloud computing. This will be with us for long, the benefit of cloud is yet to be completely utilized.