Although many consider that the term cloud computing is something created in the 21st century, the truth is that its origin dates back to the 60s of the 20th century. In 1961, John McCarthy, the originator of the term “ artificial intelligence ”, suggested that the timesharing technology of computers at the time could lead to the sale of applications as a service.
The turning point of cloud computing came in 1999 with the inauguration of Salesforce; a system that offered corporate applications through a website. It was from that moment on that computer companies from all over the world began to be interested in cloud computing services.
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What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing , or cloud computing , is a technology that allows all information to be stored on the Internet. For users and companies, it is a more comfortable system than the traditional one, both in terms of security and time savings. In addition, thanks to cloud computing it is not necessary to have a system with a large storage capacity, which is a very important point in favor.
What Is It For?
If we ask ourselves what this cloud computing system is for, its uses are very diverse. On the one hand, it allows users to store a huge amount of information without the need for a large piece of hardware on their PC or mobile device, which means great savings in economic terms.
On the other hand, it is the best option available for users to store information securely; something fundamental for companies since they work with a large amount of sensitive information.
And finally, Cloud Computing allows users to obtain the information they need at any time and from anywhere; they just need a computer with an Internet connection.
Characteristics
Below we explain the main characteristics that define a Cloud Computing service.
Multi-device: users must be able to access the services they have contracted through different platforms, such as computers, phones or tablets.
Adaptation: if cloud computing is characterized by something, it is because users can adapt the resources to their needs. In the case of a storage space, users must have full freedom to hire more or less space, depending on their specific needs at any given time.
Measurable : The Cloud Computing service contracted by users must be measurable by them. The system must be controlled, so that users can optimize their resources.
Advantages
If you wonder what the advantages are, we explain them below.
Storage capacity: Thanks to the cloud, users have practically unlimited storage capacity. In addition, they can adapt the service to their specific needs and preferences at any time. Nothing to do with traditional storage systems, such as USB sticks, whose capacity is limited.
Real-time updating: in the XXI century, for companies, information is power. Thus, the computing cloud allows all information to be updated in real time; As soon as a user makes a certain change, for example, in a document, the modification is automatic and visible to the rest of the users who have access to it.
Remote access: one of the great advantages of Cloud Computing in the corporate environment. Any user who has access to the system can access it quickly and easily, which greatly facilitates collaborative work.
Security: cloud computing systems are safer than traditional storage systems such as USBs or DVDs. There is no loss of information because devices or equipment have been damaged.
Cloud Servers
What types of Cloud Computing exist?
Software as a Service (SaaS)
It is the best known service of all those that make up Cloud Computing. The software is hosted on cloud servers provided by providers, and users access it through the Internet. It is worth noting that the software is prepared so that users can make use of it.
In this case, users do not have to worry about the maintenance and availability of the software because the service provider is in charge of these tasks. Some of the best known examples of Software as a Service (SaaS ) are games and office applications.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
In “ Platform as a Service ”, users use servers to host and develop their own software. It is one of the types of Cloud Computing in which users must take care of the maintenance, support and availability of the software itself. The provider must only provide the server on which it is hosted.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
The “ Infrastructure as a Service ” is a type of computer infrastructure that is administered through the Internet and allows companies to use only those resources that they need. It is one of the Cloud Computing services that allows you to avoid the complexity of buying and managing your own physical server for a company. Thus, the provider offers a series of resources that users hire.
The service provider is responsible for managing the infrastructure , while the users themselves must configure and manage the software.
Games as a Service (Gaas)
The last of the Cloud Computing types to join the list. It is a game in the cloud, also known as game on demand, and it consists of a type of online game that is transmitted in streaming; the game is stored in the company responsible for it and is broadcast to users live.
Thus, users can access a large selection of titles without the need for a game console. User controls and button presses are transmitted directly to the server, and the server sends back the response from the game. It is a process that occurs in less than a thousandth of a second.
