Cloud Applications: A Comprehensive Guide for 2021

Introduction

Cloud Applications come under the umbrella of Cloud Computing, hence it’s important for us to first know what actually Cloud Computing is?

In this article let us look at:

1. What is Cloud Computing?
2. What are Cloud Applications?
3. Different Cloud Application Designs
4. Comparison of different Cloud Application Designs
5. Cloud Application Categories
6. Why Cloud Applications?

1. What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is basically an on-demand availability of computer resources. This is especially used for Data Sharing, Data Storage, Using computer resources without any actual management of the required resources. This has made things easier for all its users, whether one has to take control over the other device or need to transfer files across the globe within seconds. Cloud Computing has proved to be a revolution in the computing industry with a lot more scope ahead.

2. What are Cloud Applications?

A Cloud application is basically an application programmed to work through the internet and managed via servers rather than local servers or machines. In layman’s terms, cloud applications are those where the input is taken from the user, and all the processing logic and data storage is processed in the cloud. The user interacts typically with the application or a website or an application and all the input received is processed in the cloud. 

3. Different cloud application designs

1) Software-as-a-Service(SaaS) – SaaS is basically a method or a way by which companies provide the users with services without creating the need to installing and maintaining the software on their device. These services can easily be accessed via the internet without keeping in mind the competency of the user’s machine. The performance of such services depends on the user’s connection speeds. Some popular examples include Google Docs, Google Sheets, Microsoft Office 365.

2) Platform-as-a-Service(PaaS) – PaaS basically as the name suggests provides a platform to its users especially the developers in order to develop, run and manage their apps without any heavy infrastructure. All the infrastructure including high-end servers, storage, and networking is managed either by the organization or a third-party provider. Developers usually use this design in order to lay the foundation of their project and later integrate that foundational project with an existing project or application.

3) Infrastructure-as-a-Service(IaaS) –  IaaS basically means that the user is provided with the infrastructure in order to perform the task. In this, the service provider is the one who manages the infrastructure for the user. This service is accessed by the user through an API. In this model the user usually gets the infrastructure rented and can use the infrastructure like an OS(Operating System). Some service providers also provide hardware like hard drives, servers and are responsible for the outages, repairs and other hardware-related issues.

4. Comparison of different cloud application designs

SaaS vs PaaS vs IaaS

We all know that everything in this world is not perfect everything has it’s pros and cons, hence its totally the user’s call, what to choose between these mentioned designs, whether one need cloud-based software, a smooth platform to create customized projects, or wants complete control over the entire infrastructure without physically maintaining it.

5. Cloud Application Categories

1) Private Cloud –  In this arrangement, the cloud server is managed and controlled by a single organization. These resources are used privately by the organization and are not shared with other organizations and the local public. Using a private cloud not only maintains the privacy of the organization’s affairs but also creates a private and secure network for its users. This system is usually used in big corporate organizations where access to this cloud is given to the management of the company and its employees in order to maintain their workflows.

2) Public Cloud – Public cloud as the name suggests is the cloud computing application that is offered to the local public in return for a small charge. Some of these applications include the Drive-by Google, commonly known as Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft Onedrive Etc. These applications listed above provide users to store their data with these service providers on their Cloud Data Servers in return for some charges or provide a certain limit as free storage. These companies are responsible for all the infrastructure and its maintenance in order to deliver a seamless experience to the consumers also in order to maintain their reputation and stake in the market.

3) Hybrid Cloud – Hybrid Cloud as the name suggests is a combination of both Private and Public Cloud services. In this system API (Application Programming Interface) is used to combine both the technologies into a single one. This system enables the organization to share its data from its private cloud to a third-party server.

6. Why Cloud Applications?

1) Reduced Costs:- For businesses it would be quite reasonable to shift to Cloud Applications rather than investing huge sums in the necessary pieces of equipment. 

2) Flexibility In Work:-  Cloud Applications allow the users the flexibility to use the application wherever they want regardless of their location.

3) Collaboration:-  Cloud Applications allow the users, especially the business professionals, when they need to collaborate their pieces of work, regardless of their location, whether domestic or abroad.

Conclusion

It’s quite evident that after the COVID-19 Lockdown period, everything and everyone is on the way to adapt and digitalize themselves in order to match steps with the world around them. Hence the use of technology has become quite essential for all of us whether it’s for a business or for an individual. Even schools, which were quite resistant to adapt to technology-based learning are now on the way to adapt themselves to technology-based learning. Businesses too are on the way to digitalize their activities in order to gain more efficiency and productivity in their operations, which in turn would lead to the development of a country as a whole.

Jigsaw Academy’s Postgraduate Certificate Program In Cloud Computing brings Cloud aspirants closer to their dream jobs. The joint-certification course is 6 months long and is conducted online and will help you become a complete Cloud Professional.

ALSO READ

• SaaS in Cloud Computing: All You Need to Know in 3 Easy Points
• Iaas in Cloud Computing: An Easy Beginner’s Guide In 5 Steps
• PaaS in Cloud Computing: All You Need to Know in 5 Easy Points