What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is a computing service provided over the Internet. Computing services include servers, storage, networks, software, databases, and applications.
In contrast to on-premises, where it was necessary to prepare a physical server at the time of introduction, the significant advantage of cloud computing is that it can be introduced quickly while keeping the initial investment low.
Virtualization is essential to realize cloud computing. Virtualization is a technology that integrates multiple pieces of hardware with virtualization software. For example, when servers are virtualized, the amount of CPU processing and memory capacity can be allocated to each virtual server, enabling simultaneous processing of two or more systems.
Benefits Of Cloud Computing
So far, we have provided an overview of cloud computing. So what exactly are the benefits of using the cloud? Let’s take a closer look.
Cost Savings
The first benefit is cost savings.
In the case of on-premises, high hardware and software purchase costs were required at the time of introduction, and electricity and labor costs were required for operation management.
On the other hand, cloud computing can be introduced with low initial costs because there is no need to prepare equipment in-house. In addition, many services have a pay-as-you-go system that pays according to the amount used to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Can Be Introduced Quickly
The second advantage is speedy implementation.
Many cloud services can be used immediately after completing the application on the Internet. Since there is no need for physical preparation such as hardware, it can be introduced smoothly.
In addition, since system updates are automatically updated, it is also advantageous that you can always use the latest version without having to deal with it on your own.
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Flexible And Scalable
The third advantage is high scalability.
With on-premises, if you wanted to increase or decrease resources such as storage, you had to change the contracted server or purchase new equipment.
In cloud computing, on the other hand, resources are always scaled to the appropriate amount. Therefore, expanding as needed and building a flexible system is possible.
Can Improve Productivity
The fourth advantage is that it can improve business productivity.
One of the challenges with on-premises was that it was difficult to share information. Data sharing was not smooth because the necessary data was stored locally on individuals, and files could only be accessed on company computers. There was also the issue of the massive amount of IT management work, such as hardware setup and recovery work, in the event of a failure.
Cloud computing stores data in a virtual environment to be accessed anytime, anywhere. You can reduce the time you spend interacting to acquire data and the amount of time you spend commuting to work, which can lead to improved productivity.
In addition, operation management, maintenance, and recovery work in the event of a failure can be delegated to the cloud service provider, reducing IT management’s workload.
Risks Of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has various benefits, but there are also risks that on-premises do not have. From here, let’s take a look at the disadvantages that you should know before using the cloud.
Internet Connection Required To Use
The first disadvantage is that it cannot be used without an internet connection.
Since the cloud service is provided on the Internet, you will not be able to access the database if there is no Internet environment. In regular times, you may not feel particularly inconvenienced, but use may be temporarily restricted in the event of a disaster or failure.
Service May Be Terminated
The second disadvantage is that the service you are using may be terminated.
In cloud computing, users do not have their servers and use services provided by cloud providers. Therefore, if the service you are using is discontinued, you will not be able to use the functions you have been using.
However, if it is a cloud service by a major company, there is little risk of abrupt termination. Also, even if the service provision is terminated, many will be notified in advance, so the possibility of sudden data loss is low.
Limited Customization And System Integration
The third disadvantage is that there are restrictions on customization and system integration.
Cloud computing uses services provided by cloud providers, so it isn’t easy to finely customize functions for each company. In addition, the extent to which it can be linked with internal systems also depends on the service.
If you want to customize it for your company, consider operating it on-premises or adopting it as a hybrid cloud, which will be introduced later.
