What is cloud computing?

"How nice to be a cloud, the sky floating on water" - sang Winnie the Pooh. A bear with a very small mind did not dream about the age of the Internet. He did not foresee that the 21st century would bring a completely new technology - cloud computing.

Cloud computing - what is it?

Translated into Polish, cloud computing is cloud computing. Simply put, it is a modern IT technology for data processing and storage. The revolution is based on the fact that data is not stored on computer disks, but in virtual space, on servers outside the local network, on the so-called cloud. Computers, tablets and laptops are only tools thanks to which we have access to data. This technology can make running a business much easier. Specialists see in it hopes for safer data storage, more efficient information transfer and easier handling, and finding additional savings. In addition, there are no issues related to hardware limitations. The server will not be overloaded, even in the period of increased interest in the company's services. This is crucial for entities from the e-commerce industry. However, in order to be able to use the cloud, you need to have some knowledge about this solution. The main problem is choosing a good cloud computing provider. The analyzes of the independent organization CloudHarmony dealing with comparing cloud computing may come in handy.

Cloud computing - what will it change in company management?

Clouds allow you to use resources at any time. The company has the ability to adjust the technology to current needs. It uses database outsourcing - this solves the problems with the performance of the IT system that arise with the development of the company. You will no longer need to buy new, larger servers or build huge server rooms. The cloud will naturally expand as we need. The trader won't have to worry about it. Savings will result not only from the fact that the customer will not create IT networks in his company, but also electricity bills will be reduced. Cloud computing will improve communication between companies, making it faster and more effective.

Types of computing clouds

There are many classifications of cloud computing. From the business point of view, the division into clouds seems to be the key:

• private,

• public,

• hybrid.

Private clouds are created for specific enterprises. This infrastructure can be managed by an external company or an internal IT department. The public cloud is operated by an external company and ties in with the "on demand" model. The client determines which services he wants to use and pays for these parameters exactly. If its needs increase, it can extend the range of downloaded services - this happens without stopping the virtual machines. Hybrid clouds are a combination of private and public clouds.

Cloud computing - for whom?

The usefulness of cloud computing has been recognized internationally - the administration of President Barack Obama sees it as a remedy for overcrowded IT systems. Officials of the European Union also see an opportunity. In the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament on the use of cloud computing in Europe, we read:

"Enterprises can use cloud-based services to rapidly test and expand their offerings to customers because it is possible without investing in building physical infrastructure. Overall, cloud computing represents the next step in industrialization (standardization, scale-up, universal availability) in the field of providing computing power (utility access to information systems) on the same principle as power plants industrialized the provision of electricity. "

Enterprises that can benefit most from the introduction of cloud computing are:

• Internet shops,

• e-learning platforms,

• search engines,

• online gaming portals,

• social platforms,

• hosting platforms,

• SaaS platforms.

The list can be freely extended. Cloud computing can also be an opportunity for start-up enterprises that cannot afford to build a large IT infrastructure within the company.