Cloud hosting is the latest form of hosting that has become extremely popular over the past few years. The main concept of cloud hosting is ‘Divide and Rule’ – the resources required for maintaining your website are spread across more than one web server, and are rendered as per need basis. This greatly reduces chances of any downtimes in case of a server malfunction.
Another noteworthy aspect is that cloud hosting allows you to manage peak loads easily, without facing any bandwidth issues, since another server can provide the additional resources in such a case. Hence, your website doesn’t rely on just one server, and rather a cluster of servers that work together and are termed as ‘the cloud’.
A cloud server is a logical server that is built, hosted and delivered through a cloud computing platform over the Internet. Cloud servers possess and exhibit similar capabilities and functionality to a typical server but are accessed remotely from a cloud service provider.Cloud servers have all the software they require to run and can function as independent units.
◊ What Is the Cloud?
The cloud is commonly used to refer to several servers connected to the internet that can be leased as part of a software or application service. Cloud-based services can include web hosting, data hosting and sharing, and software or application use.
‘The cloud’ can also refer to cloud computing, where several servers are linked together to share the load. This means that instead of using one single powerful machine, complex processes can be distributed across multiple smaller computers.
One of the advantages of cloud storage is that there are many distributed resources acting as one – often called federated storage clouds. This makes the cloud very tolerant of faults, due to the distribution of data. Use of the cloud tends to reduce the creation of different versions of files, due to shared access to documents, files and data.
◊ Key Benefits of Cloud Servers
- Increased Security: A cloud-based platform means that no matter what happens to the hardware, whether it be a stolen laptop or a virus on a PC, your company’s data will be safe and sound in the cloud, especially if you utilize security features like Single-sign On or Two-factor Authentication. Additionally, file transfers are more secure because collaborators no longer need to email the data back and forth, running the risk of sensitive information being forwarded or downloaded. All data stays secure within the cloud.
- Centralized Collaboration: Because your data in a cloud platform is centralized, you can collaborate with others on projects and easily share your work. Communication between you and your colleagues is accelerated, efficient, and effective. Regardless of your company’s client or supplier setup, everyone uses the same files in the same format in the same place, in real-time, improving the organization and consistency of projects.
- Access from Wherever, Whenever: With your technology platform in the cloud, users can access their accounts anywhere, anytime. Projects can be worked on multiple devices and in any location with an internet connection. Because users aren’t tied down to a specific location, workers have more freedom and flexibility. Working anytime is not always the case with a dedicated server. When it is time for server maintenance or upgrades, dedicated servers have a downtime period and productivity grinds to a halt. Cloud servers have zero downtime deployment so systems are upgraded automatically even while users are using the platform allowing uninterrupted workflow.
- Scalability: Cloud servers have the benefit of scalability, meaning they can adapt in size according to the increase and decrease in workload. As your company grows and changes, cloud servers can scale up or scale down accordingly and adapt swiftly to meet your needs. With a dedicated server, this is possible but it is a costly, time consuming and often complicated process. A cloud service also provides the option to pay your subscription on a month-to-month basis which can be adjusted to your business’s needs.
- Save Time, Save Money: To save the best for last, using a cloud server will save you money in the long-term. Expensive hardware purchases will be a thing of the past. Cloud platforms don’t require time-consuming software installation and you will no longer be spending money and manpower on IT infrastructure and maintenance. The server needs are taken care of by your cloud provider freeing up your time and money so that you can take care of your other business needs.
Through effortless collaboration, increased mobility of your workforce, zero downtime deployment, and many more features, your whole workflow will be more productive. Introducing a cloud server is a cost-effective strategy and will have long-lasting benefits for your business and the cloud users.