What is the cloud? Where is it? What is Cloud Computing? We are sure that you have either heard or asked yourself these questions. The term cloud computing is everywhere. It has become a common part of our daily lives.
Everything is stored in the cloud at work, in our personal lives on the Internet, and while we play. But what is this technology, how does it work, and what applications does it have in the creation of mobile applications? In this article, we will try to answer all these questions.
We could start by saying that when we talk about the cloud, it is nothing more than a metaphor for what the Internet is: a large network of interconnections between computers located kilometers away that we use to share and store information. Table of contents
What is Cloud Computing?
As we said at the beginning, we are sure that you have asked yourself this question or are probably wondering it because it is used so much nowadays. It is a term that we have become familiar with but without knowing exactly how it works.
Simply put, when we talk about cloud computing, we are talking about storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of from a hard drive. However, cloud computing is much more than that, as we will see throughout this article.
Storage on home networks or small business networks does not count as cloud computing.
How does Cloud Computing work?
Cloud computing is a computing model and a set of technologies that allow consumers to access cloud services.
This can be done through paid services or open access platforms but with certain restrictions. The cloud has become extremely popular among companies in different fields to facilitate work from anywhere in the world or simply to facilitate access to data at any time.
Cloud Computing Utilities and Applications
From large enterprises to government agencies, NGOs, and even small startups, cloud computing has many different uses that have proven effective in providing various solutions to various problems. Let’s take a look at them!
File Storage
There are certainly many options for storing and accessing our data, such as hard drives, USBs, shared files on the network, etc.
So what is Cloud Computing among so many options? What makes the cloud different?
Well, first of all, there is the ease of access. With the cloud, we can access it at any time and from any place without having to carry external elements. We only need an internet connection.
In addition, with services such as those offered by Google, Amazon, or Microsoft, we can access and edit our files without having to download them.
Cloud Computing simplifies our work with large amounts of files.
Big Data Analysis
Cloud Computing is related to Big Data and the massive storage of data that can be useful for companies.
Cloud computing makes data storage and analysis much easier, whether it’s customer data, market data, trends, performance data, sales data, or any other type of data.
Backups and Data Archiving
Cloud backup and archiving of data is much more secure and efficient than traditional data storage and copying to disk drives.
The cloud is backed by extensive security measures, while traditional methods, although effective, are more vulnerable to external threats such as viruses or malware.
This approach allows sensitive files to be backed up or saved to cloud-based storage systems.
Another application of Cloud Computing is in social networks. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are examples of this.
This provides the assurance that the data remains intact even if the originals stored on the old hard drive have been compromised in some way.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
Working with cloud environments has become increasingly common for companies and individuals. No matter the volume of data or programs you need, everything is available in the cloud. These are some of the main advantages offered by these services:
- No equipment replacements: Work equipment does not require constant hardware updates. When working remotely, the servers that host the programs must support them. This reduces maintenance tasks.
- Cost reduction: This is scalable functionality that adapts to the company’s demand and needs. This translates into lower costs by allowing the company to pay for what is needed at any given time.
- They provide mobility: You only need a network connection to work in cloud environments. This provides greater freedom for both the company and the employees. Gaining flexibility increases productivity.
- They generate efficiency: These services are designed to be automated, allowing for scalable operation. End users can request and create automation that facilitates their tasks.
Train Yourself as an app programmer!
Now you know a little more about Cloud Computing and some of its current uses. These include the development of mobile applications and all kinds of software. A series of tools that operate from the cloud allows you to work as a programmer or app developer.