Various Cloud Computing Technologies

Introduction

Cloud computing technologies, at their most basic, are a means to give users access to specific software, data, and programs over the internet. When cloud computing technologies are used, data is stored across remote servers independent of the user instead of the local network or the physical hard drive of the device being used. Therefore, users can access their data, their subscribed applications, and cloud storage via the internet by merely logging into a website or a portal with valid credentials. Read on to understand what is cloud computing technology in greater detail and how cloud-based technologies work across their different types and forms.

In this article let us look at:

1. Different Types of Technologies in Cloud
2. Uses of Cloud Technologies
3. Advantages of Cloud Technology

1. Different Types of Technologies in Cloud

With the development of the latest technology in cloud computing, there are several fundamental techniques and types of cloud computing used by service providers. The leading cloud technologies list with the most popular and frequently used cloud computing types is as follows.

• Virtualization: Virtualization technology in cloud computing involves the use of specialized programming techniques to create a virtual version of a computer resource to allow for cloud service providers to bring multiple operating systems and computer systems under one virtual machine to efficiently distribute an application among multiple users within one organization or numerous organizations in a cost-efficient and convenient manner. This cloud computing technique offers unparalleled hardware flexibility and significantly brings down IT maintenance and infrastructure costs, and is the first entry on the cloud computing technologies list.
• Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA): Service Oriented Architecture is the latest technology in cloud computing that refers to an online architecture that supports a collection of services. There is an established communication protocol between the components of various applications or services, and this communication occurs over a network to provide the user with certain services. 
• Grid Computing: One of the other technologies used in cloud computing is grid computing, which allows for multiple computer resources to combine and interact to achieve a common objective. Grid computing is particularly beneficial when large-scale computing tasks are undertaken and are too burdensome for one individual computing resource to handle. Such a job is broken down into smaller components and distributed among the grid. The computing resources within the grid communicate with each other and work together to solve the problem. 
• Utility Computing: Utility computing is one of the most common answers given to the question, ‘what is cloud-based technology?’ Enabling technology for cloud computing, utility computing infrastructure is a software service provision business model that employs a pay-per-use model. Users can subscribe to preferred services and only pay for those services without undertaking a massive initial expenditure. This offers flexibility for users who wish to change or discontinue the usage of a cloud service.

2. Uses of Cloud Technologies

To know more about cloud computing technologies, you must also see how these different cloud technologies are used by businesses and service providers. Three major cloud computing models are in use today; Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provides businesses and enterprises with access to a wide range of software infrastructures such as firewalls, virtual machines, cloud storage, and other such infrastructural requirements. Microsoft Azure is one of the cloud computing technology examples where such ready-to-use infrastructure is provided to subscribers at a specific cost.
• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): With the Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) model, users can create and build their software and applications with the platform’s help them. These platforms eliminate the need for separate software building and testing infrastructure. It is a cost-effective option for users looking to build and test their software without much hassle. 
• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): SaaS is a software delivery model where applications are made available to customers over the internet on a subscription basis. This eliminates the need for users to purchase and install physical copies of their computer or any other device. These applications or software programs can be accessed easily by users as long as they log in to the cloud with the legitimate credentials given to them when they pay for a subscription to the service. 

3. Advantages of Cloud Technology

As far as the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing technology are concerned, the former far outweigh the latter. The various benefits of new technology in cloud computing are as follows.

• Scalability: One of the basics of cloud computing technology is that it needs to be scalable. A primary advantage of such technology is that it possesses high scalability as many users can be provided access to the services without human intervention or any logistical problems. 
• Accessibility: Most cloud computing technology examples such as Office 365 or Netflix are primarily built to make these services easily accessible to all. With a good internet connection and a compatible device, people can access their subscribed services from anywhere in the world.
• Reliable: Most cloud computing services are highly reliable and rarely suffer from downtime or service interruptions. Most services also come with customer support and help services to ensure that all users can get the most out of the services that they have paid for. 
• Shared Infrastructure: Millions of users use the same services provided by a particular entity by sharing the servers and the software infrastructure set up by the service providers themselves. 
• Cost-effective: One of the most significant advantages is due to the low cloud computing technology requirements. Businesses and users save vast amounts of resources by not spending on the infrastructure’s initial setup to install, use, and maintaining software. Users can quickly pay for the services they use and discontinue if they wish to without incurring any significant financial resources losses.
• Easy Maintenance: Since there is no need for the maintenance of physical hardware infrastructure or storage and server facilities by the users, the work of the in-house IT staff is significantly reduced, and this makes for effortless and centralized maintenance.

Conclusion

With this cloud computing technology overview, we hope that you have a clearer idea of what cloud computing is and how it works to bring you the best and most efficient software services from across the world. The choice of the ideal cloud computing infrastructure employed by a provider usually depends on the budgeting, the purpose, and the nature of the service. With modern developments and the latest cloud computing technology trends, one can expect cloud services to play a much more significant role in our daily lives in the coming years.

If you are looking for an extensive course in Cloud Computing, then the 5.5-month online Postgraduate Certificate Program In Cloud Computing offered by UNext can be of help. This program helps interested learners become complete Cloud professionals.