Is the Cloud a Server? Understanding the Cloud and What It Is
Are you trying to figure out more about what the cloud is? Read this article to learn the answer to, “Is the cloud a server?”
Did you know that the average person uses more than 35 cloud-based services each day?
We may not be aware of it, but cloud solutions are expediting tasks and solving storage problems the world over each day.
If you have a small or medium-sized company, you may be considering a cloud storage package. However, perhaps you want to ask some basic questions like: “is the cloud a server?”
Why not take a minute and find out more about this technology in our in-depth article below.
Can I have a Cloud-Based Server?
So let’s answer our main question first. There are many types of servers. However, a simple definition of a computer server is a device that connects multiple computers.
Yes, it is possible to have a cloud-based server. In this case rather than a physical device in your server room, it is a virtual device that your network interfaces with.
Cloud servers work entirely independently and have all the necessary software required to support your network.
You may be thinking that there are many advantages to this. Why not check out iCloud storage pricing options to see whether you can benefit from cloud technology.
However, why not keep on reading to find out more about cloud technology.
What is “the Cloud”?
Cloud computing is becoming a crucial technology to many if not all industries. This is only possible because of virtualization technology.
Virtualization means that you can have simulated or virtual devices that can interact with your computer and other technology. When you connect to a cloud-based server, you are connecting to a program that behaves like a physical server.
Each virtual-server is entirely separate. It cannot be influenced by other servers on the same network. This is achieved by a technique called “sandboxing”. This ensures that other companies that use the same server hosting company cannot see your data.
Cloud-based servers are very efficient. You can run many virtual servers on the same physical space as one single physical server. In fact, some companies offer a huge number of server options to their customers by setting up a data center, or large cluster of servers together in the same location.
Savings made by using virtual machines are passed on to customers in the form of low costs and even free storage allowances.
How Can I Use the Cloud?
You may now see that cloud technologies offer significant advantages to companies. Especially those that need a network but cannot afford the price or the space required to host their own.
What are the main cloud-based services that you can benefit from?
The first main advantage is the generous amount of storage that virtual servers offer. Furthermore, you can access these files from anywhere that you can connect to the internet. Think of how Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive have opened up new storage opportunities for businesses.
This cloud-based storage makes it easier than ever to collaborate on projects. Should your document be in a cloud-based location you can allow almost anyone anywhere in the world to access it and comment, improve or approve it.
Storage can also be a synonym for back-up. You can employ simple software to ensure that your data is frequently backed up to a cloud-based storage location. Then should the worst happen to your physical machine, you can always retrieve your data from the cloud.
Cloud Security Advantages
When you store your data on a cloud storage location, you are not only saving space. You are also handing your precious information to a professional company that will almost certainly be able to guarantee its safety better than a local computer network.
A large company such as Amazon that provides AWS (Amazon Web Services) is constantly analyzing its defenses to ensure that the data belonging to its clients are safe and secure.
How else do cloud-storage companies protect your data?
Data Security
Small to medium-sized businesses are more and more becoming victim of ransomware and hacking attacks. Cloud storage companies are professionals that are constantly updating their defenses against such attacks. When you store your data on their servers you are benefitting from their defenses.
Compliance with Governmental Law
Data security laws and legislations are changing constantly in the face of complex threats. It can be difficult for a small company to keep up with these changes and stay compliant with the law. When you use a cloud-storage company you are ensuring that your data is being stored with the level of protection that the law requires.
Flexibility
Since multiple virtual servers can be housed within a single physical unit, it is easy for companies to set up backup servers. This means that should a server crash, your data and virtual server is immediately made available to you via a backup server unit. You likely will not even notice. Certainly, you will never be left without server functionality.
High availability and Support
Should you decide to set up your own server unit in your workplace, you will need to install it, secure it, update the software, and maintain the physical unit. This is a lot of work. Employing a cloud computing solution means that your service provider will bear all of this burden. They will have to care for the constant maintenance required. This may even allow you to maintain a smaller number of IT staff for your business.
“Is the Cloud a Server?” and Other Important Questions
Choosing how you will back up your personal and business data has become a major issue for many companies. The choice you make will determine your budget and the security of your data. Asking questions such as “is the cloud a server?” can help you to make the right decision for your company.
If you are interested in learning more about business and technology topics then we are here to help. Why not check out our blog article to find out more.
