What is the cloud and how does it work?

Today more than ever, technology plays a crucial role in the development of companies. The labor system has changed and it is no longer enough to have a physical office, it is necessary to adopt tools from the online world. This is key to becoming more productive and responding to the demands of users and customers who demand digital services. Currently, a great advantage that small and medium-sized businesses have is easy access to key tools such as the google cloud. This technological service allows greater control of work, greater information security, and a reduction in infrastructure costs. But then, What is the cloud, and how does it work?

In this post, we will tell you everything you need to know about how cloud computing works and the benefits of hiring a cloud computing service.

What is the cloud? 

The cloud storage or storage cloud is a computing model that saves a lot of data, files, and programs on the Internet, allowing access to them from anywhere and anytime.

If we think about how the computing cloud works, we must forget about storing data in physical spaces, such as the computer’s hard drive or pen drives, and think about virtual spaces full of data synchronized with other information through the web. This provides agility, security, durability, and the possibility of a global scale to achieve that customers have access to the cloud around the world and in the best possible way.

How does the cloud work? 

The cloud computing service stands out for its simplicity when using it. It is offered on-demand and adapts to the needs of the user. In addition, it has different capacities and costs depending on the organization, eliminating the need to buy and manage its own infrastructure.

Now, to know how data storage in the cloud works, you must know two fundamental terms in the process: Front End and Back End.

The Front End is the part formed by the client’s computer and the application that he needs to use the system. In the Back End are the servers and data storage systems that provide the service in the cloud. That is, a visible part with which the user interacts and works, and a virtual, non-tangible part, which protects all the valuable information of the client.

What benefits does the cloud bring you? 

Whatever the size of your company or project, cloud computing gives you great advantages to empower your business and make it smarter and more scalable.

• Cost savings: with Cloud services it is not necessary to invest in a physical server or spend on maintenance, cloud storage dispenses with its own IT infrastructure investments and software licenses.
• Access from anywhere and at any time: the cloud facilitates communication between the members of your company. No matter where you are, you can always access the information stored in the google cloud from any mobile device.
• Unlimited storage: cloud application platforms, such as Google Workspace, allow unlimited space in the cloud, this generates a great advantage for companies that need to free up storage space on computers and save a large amount of important information.
• The adaptability of use: the client is the one who manages the storage capacity they need and can hire the service that best suits their size and that of their data.
• Greater security: the use of the cloud allows you to have a backup in the cloud in real-time. Thus, you stop depending on hard drives or computers that may fail and are exposed to a large number of cyberattacks. Also, some platforms such as Google Workspace, have applications to more easily find the data.

Types of storage that exist in the cloud

Currently, there are four types of clouds: public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud. Each of them responds to different needs and it is necessary to know their characteristics to know which is the option that best suits your objectives.

1. Public Cloud

The public cloud is a type of storage that is open to the public and requires little control by the administrator. It can be accessed online by anyone authorized and is usually free, due to its low cost and low level of maintenance. On the other hand, all clouds become public when environments are split and redistributed among multiple users. Among the most used examples of this type of service is Google Drive.

2. Private Cloud

Private clouds are characterized by meeting the needs of an exclusive user or end group, that is, they are directed to a particular client with isolated access. This type of storage in the cloud can have two formats: on-premise (in the same physical place of who will use it) or hosted externally. The private service has a great advantage in terms of security compared to the public, and that is that the location of the data is within the company itself.

3. Hybrid cloud

As the name implies, the hybrid cloud combines two types of public and private cloud storage. In this case, the user owns one part of their data and shares another. This option allows companies to customize functions and have greater flexibility in better adapting to their needs and resources. Also, it is cheaper than having a private cloud.

4. Multicloud Cloud

It is important not to confuse the concept of hybrid cloud with that of multi-cloud. All hybrid clouds are multi-clouds, but not all multi-clouds are hybrids. Multi clouds become hybrids when multiple clouds are connected with some type of integration or organization.

If we talk about a multi-cloud model, we mean a solution that combines at least two private or public cloud providers, and which may or may not be integrated with each other.

Currently, this storage model is the most used in companies that seek greater security, flexibility, and cost reduction.

Top cloud storage platforms

Having a good storage platform is essential to correctly understand what the cloud is and how it works, and to make correct use of it. There are many options of platforms and each of them offers a different service, from free or paid storage, flexibility in the servers, to the way in which each of them is used and for what purpose. Currently, the top five storage platforms are Google Drive, Microsoft Onedrive, iCloud, Amazon Drive, and Mega.

Now, what should you take into account when choosing a cloud storage platform?

Cloud security

Among the main advantages of using the service computing cloud is cloud security. Storing data, files, and folders in physical spaces or on hard drives is uncomfortable and risky since they take up the workspace, and also, domestic problems, electrical problems, or errors in computers can arise.

By making a backup in the cloud you make sure that all the information is stored in several servers housed in different places so that it can be used remotely under software. Additionally, most cloud storage platforms offer protection so that customer, infrastructure, and application data are not cyber-attacked, spammed, or abused.

As we have seen, one of the main cloud storage platforms is Google Cloud Platform, which stands out for taking maximum care of the privacy of its customers’ data. With this service, the same user has exclusive control of all their data, and also, private information is not used for advertising or commercial purposes.