Cloud Network and its important features

Cloud Network and its important features : Probably a lot of people will not know about cloud network but it is also a reality that cloud network  using lot of people without knowing it. You are all already using cloud network, such as online banking, social networks and Google Apps but do not realize it. If you do not know, then it does not matter, I am going to give you complete information in this article.

Actually "Cloud" is a set of different types of hardware and software that collectively works to deliver many aspects of computing to the end-user as an online service. Cloud Networking is the use of hardware and software to deliver service over the network or the Internet. With Cloud Networking, users  can access files and use applications and that too from any device that can access the Internet.

Cloud Network

What is Cloud Network?

In simple words, cloud Network means to store your data on the internet instead of storing it in computer hard drive. When you keep the data in local storage ie hard drive, then you can access it only from your computer. But this is not the case with Cloud Network.

You can use the data or programs stored on the Internet from anywhere. Due to its many features, Cloud Network is one of the most popular technologies nowadays and its usage is also increasing rapidly. In simple language, if you store and access data on cloud-based storage instead of local storage device, then it will be called cloud network.

When we store data in local computer storage, we have to depend on the computer to access and manage it. Rather, in cloud network, we can use data and resources from anywhere. Companies providing cloud services store the user's files and applications on a remote server. After which users can access those resources through internet.

Best Example of Cloud Network

Google drive, Dropbox, Gmail and Facebook etc. Cloud network has good examples. They provide us unlimited storage. On which we can access or manage our data as well as store it through internet.

Cloud network is also well used in the field of education. Nowadays most of the students are very fond of E-learning. In which software like Byju’s helps you to access teaching resources online.

Governments also use cloud network. They provide e-Governance services to the citizens using cloud-based IT services.

The Messenger application is also an example of cloud network. Messages sent and received by us are stored in the cloud space by the service provider.

Salesforce, Hubspot and Adobe marketing cloud are also examples of this. They are used in the field of business, which includes managing business resources and providing security to them.

To host the website or application in cloud server, we buy these servers from cloud service providers like DigitalOcean. This is also an example of Cloud Network.

Benefits of Cloud Network 

The exact benefits will vary according to the type of cloud service used, but, fundamentally, using cloud services means that companies do not need to buy or maintain their computing infrastructure.

The company does not need to worry about updating these applications or operating systems or disposing of hardware or software when they are out of date because these are all taken care of by the supplier.

For commodity applications such as email, it would be more appropriate to switch to cloud provider than to rely on in-house skills.

It may be for the purpose of cloud network a company that specializes in running and securing these services is likely to have better skills and a more experienced staff than a small business, so cloud services may be able to provide more secure and efficient service to end users.

Using cloud services means that companies can move quickly on projects and test concepts without lengthy purchases and large upfront costs, as firms pay only the resources they consume. This concept of business agility is often cited by Cloud advocates as a major benefit.

The ability to spin new services without the time and effort associated with traditional IT procurement should mean that it is easy to move quickly with new applications. And if a new application makes the elastic nature of the cloud wildly popular it means that it is easy to scale up.

Benefits of cloud network

Advantages and disadvantages of cloud network

Cloud network is not necessarily cheaper than other forms of network, in which way renting is not always cheaper than buying in the long term. If there is a regular and predictable need for an application for network services, it may be more economical to provide that service in-house.

Some companies may be reluctant to host sensitive data in a service that is also used by competitors. Moving to a SaaS application can also mean that you are using the same applications as a competitor, which can be difficult to create any competitive advantage if that application is core to your business.

Features of Cloud Network 

Some of the following features of cloud network are as follows:

Resources Availability : Cloud network is designed for many customers. That is, every user has access to resources. All this is done by multi-tenant model. Users can modify physical and virtual resources according to their demand. We also call it resource pooling, because resources are pulled to provide services to many users.

On-Demand Self Service: User can use network resources as per his requirement. If it needs instance resources like - storage space, database, virtual machine etc. So he can use them without requesting service provider.

Broad Network Access: Cloud network resources exist all over the Internet and can be used very easily. A user needs a device and internet connection to use resources.

Easy Maintenance and Low Downtime: Server maintenance is very easy. Server downtime is also very less, in some cases downtime is neither. The reason for this is the frequent updating of cloud network, due to which the old deficiencies are fixed.

Elasticity: Companies can easily increase resources to increase their capabilities. If not needed, they can be reduced. Overall, cloud network has the capability to organize resources.

Pay as you go: The user only pays for the time he used the resources. That is, no extra charge is taken.

Important features of cloud network

Pros and Cons of Cloud Network

Cloud Network Pros

Using cloud network saves you cost, because now you do not need to invest on expensive system or any other infrastructure.  Cloud services are very easy to access. Users can avail services with the help of computing devices and Internet.

Companies can store their data in a centralized location, which makes data control easy. Cloud network facilitates automatic data backup. That is, there is no risk of your hard drive crashing or data being erased. Most cloud services provide free and secure huge storage space to store data to the user.

Cloud network Cons

Cloud network is completely dependent on the Internet. It is beneficial as well as harmful for a business. If the internet connectivity of the cloud service provider is lost, your business stagnates for that much time.

It is not right to rely solely on the cloud service provider for privacy and security of your important data. This is why it is important to choose a reliable service provider.

Internet is not completely safe, there is always a danger of cyber attack in it. So you always need to be alert. Data management is a headache under the cloud, as the cloud storage system has its own structure. So it is a little difficult to match it with your system.

The user using cloud computing has minimal control over the functions of software and hardware, as IT resources are in remote servers. Like everything, cloud network has many advantages and disadvantages. If seen all over, cloud network is a great technology. But if used without understanding it properly, then it can also cause damage.

How does cloud network work?

There are three main types of cloud network service models are available, commonly known as:

1. Software as a Service (SaaS)

2. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

3. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Depending on your needs, your business may use one of these service models or a mixture of all three.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

In Saas the software application host is responsible for controlling and maintaining the application, including software updates and settings.Suppose that you, as a user, have limited control over the application and configuration settings.

SaaS is the most common form of cloud network for small businesses. You can access software applications hosted on the Internet using a browser, instead of traditional applications stored on your PC or server. Typical examples of SaaS are web-based mail service or customer relationship management system.

SaaS, as a pay-per-use model, provides users with software applications such as E-mail, Adobe and Google G Suite etc. Allows access to the Internet. That is, you do not need to install any software to use it in your device. You do not even have to think about its back-end process while using software.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS usually means buying or renting your computer power and disk space from an external service provider. This option allows you to access a private network or the Internet.

The service provider maintains physical computer hardware, including CPU processing, memory, data storage and network connectivity. Examples of IaaS include Amazon EC2, Rackspace and Windows Azure.

IaaS falls under the category of most basic cloud services. It is a cloud network model, where virtualized infrastructure for businesses is offered and managed by external cloud provider. Under this, companies can outsource storage, server, data center space and cloud networking components through internet. IaaS as a service provides you with the highest level of management control and flexibility on your IT resources.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

I would like to tell you that PaaS can be described as a crossover of both SaaS and IaaS. Essentially you rent hardware, operating systems, storage and network capacity that IaaS provides as well as software servers and application environments. PaaS gives you more control over the technical aspects of your computing setup and the ability to customize it to your needs.

Although it can be easy to start using new cloud applications, migrating existing data or apps to the cloud can be more complex and expensive.

PaaS refers to the supply of on-demand environment for software application development, testing, delivery and management. As a service, it fulfills the requirement of resources procurement, capacity planning, software maintenance, patching or any other requirement that you take to run your software application. PaaS is designed to be a web or mobile application.

Cloud Network Uses

We all use cloud network in our daily lives - unknowingly. Apart from using cloud network from small start-ups to global corporations, from government agencies to non-profit organizations, we are using Cloud network for some reason. Some of the major uses are explained in detail below.

File storage - Common users use cloud network to store, manage and share their files in a remotely hosted system. Google drive or Dropbox is a good example.

Website Hosting - For those website owners who want to avoid the hassle of hosting and maintaining a website, cloud-based web hosting is a great option. Cloud hosting provider. Apart from hosting your website, you also provide your network resources. They give security to your website and also take responsibility for its maintenance.

Test and Development - Cloud network also plays a good role in the testing and development of a software and network. Cloud services helps in checking that your software is running smoothly or if there is any error in it.

Backup and Recovery - Even today many businesses and organizations take backup of their data manually in a storage device while it is not very effective. In cloud-based backup you can easily backup your data. Recovering data in this way is also easy.

Cloud database - Every business needs a database. But for this you will spend a lot of money and at the same time you will also need an expert. In contrast, the cloud database is a great option. The cloud service provider will not only provide support to you, but will also take care of the maintenance and operation of the database.

Big data analytics - Big data is also data, but with a huge size. In short, if such data are so large and complex, that no traditional data management tool is able to store or process it efficiently. Cloud network helps store and analyze such data.

Type of cloud network depending on the  deployment

Public Cloud

Public cloud comes under SaaS services, which are deployed globally. These services are available to all users. Users can access the services through the Internet.

You have to pay according to how much you use these services. However, despite the high reliability, low cost, zero maintenance and on-demand scalability, there is a high risk of security in it. That is, it is not suitable for critical activities.

Private Cloud

A private cloud is where services and infrastructure are maintained and managed by you or a third party. This option reduces potential security and controls risks, and if your data and applications are a core part of your business, it will suit you and require a high level of security or sensitive data requirements.

It is understandable from the name itself that it is not for public use. That is, a large company or organization that wants to build and manage its own data center can use private cloud services. Under this, companies get more improvement in high security, customization, scalability and flexibility. But it is more expensive than public cloud.

Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid cloud is a mixed form of public and private cloud. Under this, you can use the cloud according to your need. That is, you can keep important application in private cloud and for secondary application you can use public cloud.

Last Word

My dear friends, I have tried my best to give complete information about the cloud network. Really I do not know how successful I am in my efforts. If all of you feel that my attempt is successful, then please tell me by commenting. If you liked this article "Cloud Network" then share it to your friends too. We will meet again with a new topic, subscribe to the page to stay connected with me.