Cloud computing represents a major shift from the traditional way of thinking about Information Technology.  Before cloud computing, companies had their own servers and hardware in-house for file sharing, data communications, and shared software applications.  They hired staff to maintain their hardware and software which was time-consuming and expensive.  Access to file storage and software was limited as it was hosted on a local server only accessible inside your local network.

With cloud services, servers are located offsite at a remote data center maintained by a Cloud Service Provider (CSP).  Server maintenance, including backup services, is performed by the provider.  Software and data access are no longer limited to a specific location or internal network.  All that is needed to access files and software is an Internet connection.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is a game-changer for IT.  It can be defined as the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, and software—over the Internet providing for faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.  Typically you pay only for the services you use lowering operating costs and allowing you to scale services as your business needs change.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Service Models

The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing model promotes availability and is composed of five essential characteristics, three service models, and four deployment models.  This article focuses on the Service Models.  The three Common Cloud Service Models are:

  • Software as a Service (SaaS).  The provider’s applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through a thin client interface such as a web browser. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure or individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings.
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS). The consumer had the capability to develop and deploy applications onto a cloud infrastructure using programming languages and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly application hosting environment configurations.  This is a development environment for SaaS applications.
  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Gives the consumer access to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls).

Most companies are already utilizing cloud services in some manner.  SaaS is the most popular first step with Microsoft Office 365, Google Docs, Slack, Zoom, LinkedIn, etc.  Many are also beginning to look at and deploy IaaS as the workforce continues to become more mobile.  Secure access to data and information from remote locations is becoming a necessity as the workforce becomes more mobile.

Benefits Cloud Computing

More businesses are moving to the cloud every day and for good reason.  Some of the benefits include:

  • Reduced Cost.  Installing and maintaining a server can be expensive.  Utilizing a cloud environment can lead to significant cost savings. These savings come from reduced operating and maintenance costs. You only pay for the capacity you need.  With cloud services, your IT staff can maintain control of the software and data on the remote servers.  However, costs are reduced because hardware maintenance is performed by the service provider.  You pay only for the capacity and services you need so you can focus on your business and minimize IT costs.  However, you can maintain control of your computing environment.
  • Accessibility.  Another benefit is the accessibility in the cloud. If you have an internet connection, you can access your software and data.  Employees have access whether they are in the office or working remotely.  In many cases, your data is better protected in the cloud as well.  Cloud providers utilize secure data centers with redundant servers and strict backup processes.  Many service providers maintain 99.99% uptime. Your data is always accessible via an internet connection.
  • Competition.  Working in a Cloud environment allows smaller companies to compete with larger companies as investments in IT infrastructure and staffing needs are minimized.  You pay only for what you need which keeps IT costs affordable, but you have the flexibility to scale computer services up or down quickly and easily as your needs change.

 Limitations and Considerations with Cloud Environments

Most limitations with a cloud environment are due to your CSP.  Due diligence is a must when choosing a CSP. This is true whether it is a SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS environment.  The most common areas of concern include:

  • Security.  Security is always a concern since the data is now stored off-site out of the company’s direct control.  However, in most cases, the data is actually more secure in a cloud environment.  There are questions that need to be answered such as: Is the data adequately protected?  Are servers shared between customers?  Can the CSP meet the requirements, regulations, and governance for privacy?  Can the CSP meet regulatory compliance standards such as HIPAA?
  • Data Privacy and Access. Data access and privacy also need to be considered.  How and where is the data stored?  Are there adequate backups and redundancies in place?  What happens to the data if the company moves to a different provider?
  • Internet Dependence. Cloud computing relies on the internet to deliver applications and data to the end-user.  This new dependence requires that Internet access be fast and reliable.  The company needs to be able to maintain reliable internet access or the service will not be viable.  Also, contingency plans need to be defined for both the Customer and the CSP in the event of a prolonged system outage on either end.
  • Availability and Service. Most CSPs will have a Service Level Agreement (SLA) specifying the amount of service capacity that will be provided, what level of security is available, expectations and guarantees for network uptime, and contingency plans for accessing data.  A good agreement will also specify the penalties for not providing this level of service.  It is critical to verify that the CSP has sufficient resources to maintain a service level defined in the agreement.

Conclusion

Cloud computing is not going away.  In fact, Gartner, a leading research and advisory company, forecasts that end-user spending on public cloud services will grow 18.4% in 2021 and another 18.7% in 2022.  In dollars, that is $304.9 billion in 2021 and $362.3 billion by the end of 2022.

A cloud-based solution integrating systems together enables companies to maximize the use of the systems they already own, improve data visibility, and streamline operations. Data from multiple locations becomes easier to access and allows for closer to real-time access as the data can be entered at its location of origin.  Provided care is taken in choosing a Cloud Service Provider, cloud computing can provide a more streamlined operation saving companies money, time and headaches.

 

EnnAble Services can help you evaluate Cloud providers and SaaS solutions.  Contact Us!