What is the cloud and how does it work? You’ve likely used cloud services before, either in your personal or professional life. They’ve become integral to how we operate online and, accordingly, how we do business. Keep reading to learn more about what the cloud is and how its current day uses can help to make your company more secure and successful.
A Brief History of the Cloud
Cloud computing to most people probably sounds like a very recent development. Hugely popular phrases, like “in the cloud” or “cloud-based” seem to have become commonplace overnight. The truth, however, is that the concept of the cloud has existed at least since the 1960s, even before the internet as we know it was created.
During the 1950s, computing was an incredibly costly and time-consuming effort requiring the use of enormous machines. It was also difficult for smaller businesses to gain access to computers. By the mid-60s, ARPANET (the predecessor to the current day internet) was created as a series of interconnected computers, setting the foundation for what the cloud would eventually become.
What is The Cloud and How Does It Work?
A cloud is simply a connected network of computers or servers that can be accessed by users via the internet. It works by storing data in a way that can be accessed from any device. Essentially, users are sending the files they want to say to a data server maintained by the cloud provider instead of just saving it to their hard drives.
Not all clouds are accessible to everyone, however. Some are strictly for use by members of certain organizations, government agencies, schools, or public institutions. The most well-known publicly available solutions include platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
Many common cloud services used by businesses include:
- Project management and collaboration
- Data storage and backup
- Content sharing
- Document creation, editing, and sharing
- Reporting and analytics
- Testing and development
- Disaster recovery
- Accounting
- Customer Relationship Mgmt. (CRM)
- Enterprise Resource Mgmt. (ERP)
- VoIP
What these cloud services have in common is that you can make use of their features, connectivity, and functionality without needing extra storage space. While powerful and convenient, they don’t need to be stored on your business’ own servers or workstations.
Does Your Business Need Cloud Services?
You don’t have to take advantage of every technological trend or innovation to be successful. But when you want your business to perform more efficiently and agilely, you need the right tech to accomplish your goals. Cloud services can help your team to work more effectively and provide a necessary edge in a competitive industry. Popular cloud business options can improve your workflows, productivity, and cost-savings while helping your operations to become more streamlined and adaptive.
Net3 can assist with all your IT needs, no matter how simple or complex. Whether you need VOIP services or implementation solutions, we’ve got the experience to help strengthen your IT infrastructure and take the strain off your shoulders. Contact us for a consultation today!
