Scalability and elasticity are important in cloud computing.
Cloud computing is an English expression frequently used in our language, although it can be translated as cloud computing or cloud computing . The concept refers to the offer of various digital services and features through the infrastructure of a network .
For a long time, when a user wanted to use a computer service, they had to download or copy and install some type of software on their computer (computer). This meant a kind of physical anchoring of the service, which was only accessible from the computer where it had been installed. With cloud computing, on the other hand, services are accessible over a network (usually the Internet) from any computer. The user has an identification and a password that allows them to use the service wherever they are.
Cloud computing infrastructure
The cloud computing infrastructure is provided by web servers that are prepared to respond to requests made by clients (other computers ). In this way, it is enough to have an Internet connection to request access to the resources in question, regardless of where said access is required.
A person who stores his computer documents in a cloud computing service, for example, can view and download them from his home computer as well as from his office computer, cell phone, or laptop. Even if you go on vacation, you can connect to the Internet from a hotel computer and, through cloud storage , still have access to your documents.
The bandwidth of the connection affects how the benefits of cloud computing can be taken advantage of.
Its uses
The uses of cloud computing are numerous. Web hosting services , in fact, can be framed in cloud computing since they present content accessible from anywhere.
Cloud databases , meanwhile, are very useful for tracking information. Of course, data virtualization carries certain risks: protecting security in the cloud is essential.
Cloud backups are valuable for users and companies. These safeguards in virtual servers allow us to avoid problems derived from physical damage to storage devices. That's why turning to Google Drive , Microsoft OneDrive , Dropbox , iCloud and other services is becoming more and more common. Of course, just as security must be maintained, privacy in the cloud must also be taken care of.
Cloud gaming servers, meanwhile, host the operation of digital entertainment. Cloud gaming is very popular in various parts of the world due to the aforementioned benefits that this technology provides.
Amazon Luna and PlayStation Now are among the most popular cloud computing services for gaming.
Advantages of cloud computing
Among the advantages offered by cloud computing is the security provided by having information stored virtually and not on a hard drive or other physical device that is susceptible to breaking, burning, etc.
In addition to everything indicated, we cannot overlook another series of notable advantages of cloud computing, such as the following:
- It represents a significant saving for the individual or the company in question, since it avoids having to face the high cost of having infrastructure and licenses in terms of software.
- No less relevant is the fact that in cloud computing the technology is always updated and also optimized.
- It must be taken into account that the person or company pays only for what they need. Hence you can keep your spending under control.
- In the same way, we must also emphasize the fact that it contributes to improving and caring for the environment. By not having to use physical devices, it does not contaminate with the materials needed to manufacture these elements. So much so that studies carried out in this regard indicate that it allows pollution to be reduced by up to 50% compared to before it existed.
- Unlike what can happen to a computer or a hard drive, the storage capacity in cloud computing is practically unlimited.
- In its favor is the fact that if the person in question breaks down his computer, he does not have to fear that all his data and documents have been lost. You will have them safely on the network thanks to cloud computing.
Your risks
The risks of cloud computing are mainly associated with security . If the company that provides the service fails to protect and manage the information, the data can be deleted or modified without a backup copy.
Unpermitted access is another risk linked to cloud computing. Not only by computer criminals, but also by possible unfaithful employees.
Experts also allude to the difficulties related to authentication mechanisms . It is key that said authentication has a certain complexity to make the actions of hackers and cybercriminals difficult.