Cloud computing is believed to have been invented by Joseph Carl in the 1960s during his work on ARPANET, which sought to connect people and data from anywhere, anytime. In 1983, CompuServe, for the first time, offered its consumer users a small amount of disk space that users could use to store any files they chose to upload.
Cloud computing uses off-site Data Storage Systems for computers to store, manage, process, and communicate information. These off-site systems are hosted on the cloud (or the Internet) instead of local storage on your computer. The cloud can host email servers, software programs, data storage, or even increase your computer’s processing power.
Cloud and Cloud computing
The “cloud” is a term that refers to the “Internet.” Computing involves the systems and infrastructures that enable a computer to run, build, deploy, and interact with information.
Cloud computing means that instead of hosting infrastructure, systems, and applications on your computer’s hard drive or an on-site server, you’re hosting it on virtual servers or online servers which connect securely to your computer.
A career in cloud computing
It is best to understand the cloud foundations, including its working process, types of cloud computing, benefits, risks, IT companies that offer Cloud services, before looking at the top businesses that rely on cloud computing. This background will help you appreciate the skills involved and the field’s career possibilities.
Cloud computing Overview
Cloud computing use: Cloud computing is used for data storage, offering remote access to work-related data. Cloud computing for business corporates can be for in-house operations and a tool for deploying software or services the company develops for the public.
Cloud computing process: Cloud computing is an application-based software infrastructure that stores data on remote servers that the users can access through the Internet. The application uses software, middleware to ensure seamless connectivity between Devices and Computers linked securely through cloud computing.
Key characteristics of Cloud Computing include:
- Pooling of Resources
- On-Demand Self-Service.
- Easy Maintenance.
- Scalability and Rapid Elasticity.
- Economical
- Measured Reporting Service.
- Data and Access Security
- Automation
Types of cloud computing: There are three main types of cloud computing services:
- Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
- Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS)
- Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
Cloud Control: Data creator owns the data shared/stored on the cloud, but the cloud service providers have ultimate control. This arrangement is reflected in cloud service providers ‘terms of service, which mention that they are obliged to hold on to the data to comply with legal regulations.
Security risks in cloud computing
When shifting workloads and data assets to the cloud, organizations are constrained to forfeit a certain level of visibility into network operations and depend on the Cloud service provider. Some of the risks include
- Malware
- Compliance issue
- Loss of data
- Inadequate due diligence
- Risk assessments
- User access controls
- Automation
Companies that provide cloud computing services:
- Tata Consulting Services
- Infosys
- Wipro Limited
- InstaCompute-Tata Communication
- Zenith Infotech Limited
- Cypher Cloud
- Cirrologix Private Limited
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud
- Alibaba Cloud
- IBM Cloud
- Oracle
- SAP
Benefits of Cloud Computing: Cloud computing provides many benefits, including saving in time and money required for Cloud infrastructure and management. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Reduces IT Costs
2. Services managed by Experts
3. Secure Environment
4. Round the clock monitoring
5. Reduced Downtime
6. Improved speed and bandwidth
7. Improved Time to Market
8. Better In-House IT Management
9. Scalable and flexible Services
10. Accessible from anywhere
Top Companies that rely on cloud computing
Organizations of different sizes rely on the cloud with the purpose of making various uses of it. This includes data backup, email, disaster recovery, software development, testing, virtual desktops, customer-facing web apps, big data analytics, Tailored therapies for patients -by Healthcare organizations, real-time fraud detection, and prevention-by financial services organizations.
We can look at the list of top companies that have succeeded with cloud computing to understand their journey and appreciate the cloud’s impact and future scope. This trend promises excellent career prospects in Cloud computing. As aspiring job seekers consider pertinent skilling, cloud foundations will be among the courses considered for skilling/upskilling.
1. Netflix: After realizing its data demand was stretching beyond its traditional data centers’ capabilities, Netflix adopted the cloud for scalability purposes and for meeting spikes & lulls in demand as per user activity.
2. General Electric: General Electric (GE) began its digital transformation in 2014 and chose Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred provider three years later. It relies on AWS to host more than 2,000 cloud-based apps and services.
3. Apple: Apple relied on cloud computing for managing the release of Siri – the program that mimics a person’s listening ability, offering answers to users’ questions. The cloud has enabled Apple to expand and adapt Siri over time.
4. Pinterest: Cloud computing was what Pinterest started relying on from the beginning of its operations. As one of the fastest-growing sites on the worldwide web, it makes use of this service for conducting experiments and for adjusting to fluctuating traffic levels.
5. Instagram: Instagram relies on Cloud Computing for managing its growth & greater scalability.
6. Coca-Cola: The Coca-Cola company shifted to the cloud in 2014. With the help of this migration, the company could not only decrease its maintenance costs but also achieve operational savings of 40%. It also helped in increasing operational capabilities and improving performance.
Conclusion
The cloud is here to stay and expand its offering and usage by companies. Businesses across retail, media, telecom, education, banking, and other financial services are increasingly relying on Cloud computing. It is estimated that the global market for Cloud services will be USD 800 billion by the year 2025, and nearly 30% of private enterprises prefer to use the cloud in the year 2020. For Small & Medium Businesses (SMBs), the cloud provides an ideal platform for operating on a low budget while maximizing profit without compromising quality and efficiency. The C-19 pandemic has brought about a drastic change in a working model. In the emerging Hybrid work model, 34% of all employees are expected to work virtually from 2021-22. Therefore, aspiring students and professionals can consider exploring courses in cloud computing, including many free cloud computing courses by reputed IT Training institutions.
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