The technological world evolves at the speed of light and sometimes faster. In the next minute, someone somewhere is creating the next big thing destined to transform the technology landscape. With so much information available, how do businesses keep track? The days of paper trails are over. Now is the time for cloud computing. Companies like Rackspace Hosting specialize in cloud-based services that meet the needs of ever-evolving businesses.
What is the Cloud?
The cloud is a broad term used to describe a computing method in which individuals or businesses deliver information over an open and secure network made up of many servers pooling their resources to provide an easily expandable, powerful platform that appears to be a single server. Traditionally, computers communicated on a local network. The information shared is located on a remote server, with accent granted to the collaborators of information from an Internet ready device.
Businesses are seeing the value and considering the reduced costs of operations and increased productivity, allowing them to focus on the customer. Cloud-based hosting services operate tens of thousands of servers, providing service to customers throughout the world.
Several of the key components of cloud-based services include:
- Privileged user accessibility
- Regulatory compliance
- Data location
- Data segregation
- Recovery
- Investigative support
- Long-term viability
Functionality
When choosing cloud-based services, business or individuals must consider the significance of the product. Or better yet, what do they want out of a cloud-based service?
- Manageable upgrade and maintenance schedules
- Quick response time
- Scalability
- Match consumption to pricing structure
- Access without human intervention
- Multiple access points
- Improved security
- Improved productivity
The true benefit of cloud-based services the ability to make real-time changes to information. Gone are the days of sending email communication and requests for additions/deletions. When information is accessible in real-time, a productivity level is increased, resulting in an increased profitability level.
Setting up the Cloud
With information in a virtual space, one may think set-up of cloud-based services is a difficult task. On the contrary, set up is rather easy.
- Create an account
- Generate a deployment service
- Focal points: Repository path, Server, Remote path, Password
You select a Linux-based image and operating system, provide the specs of your computer and you are granted a personal IP address and root access.
For individuals and businesses not technologically advanced, cloud services provide how to articles on configuring servers. Customers are also provided information regarding open source software for ease in creating applications.
In a technologically-based society, information transfers from person to person or business to business faster than it did five years ago. Whether you are ready or not, cloud computing is here to stay. The question is, are you willing to do everything to embrace the change and send your business to the cloud? It doesn’t have to be an immediate switch. In fact, the best way to switch to the cloud is to do it piece by piece, like dipping your toe, then your foot, etc., into a cold pool on a hot day. Sure, you could jump in all at once, but the shock could leave you dead in the water while you adjust.