What is The Cloud

The next big thing in computing has arrived in computing– the cloud. But what is it?

 This article helps to better define the newest trend in computing by breaking the cloud down into several different categories.

 1. SaaS

This form of cloud computing links a singular application to thousands of customers by utilizing multitenant architecture. This means no initial investment for the customer as far as servers or licensing. It also allows the provider to cut costs by maintaining a single application. 2.

 Utility computing

Though this is not a new idea, this type of cloud computing is seing a resurgence. Sites like Amazon.com, Sun and IBM are just a few of the companies that offer storage and virtual servers that IT can access on demand.

3. Web services in the cloud

Providers offer APIs, enabling developers to exploit functionality over the Internet, instead of delivering full-blown applications. This is similar to SaaS.

 4. Platform as a service

Another variation of SaaS, this cloud alter ego provides development environments as a service. This form of the cloud allows users to build their own applications that run on the provider’s infrastructure. These are delivered to your users via the Internet from your provider’s server.

5. MSP (managed service providers)

This is, in its simplest form, is an application exposed to IT instead of end-users – like virus scanning.

6. Service commerce platforms

Another spin off of SaaS, this style of cloud computing also pulls in aspects of MSP, offering an interactive service hub for users.

For more IT solutions, contact Certified CIO by calling 443-283-0666 (select option 1) or by clicking here today!