Cloud computing makes it easier for companies of all sizes to deliver high-quality customer experiences without having to invest in and maintain data centers full of expensive hardware. It also reduces operating costs, allowing businesses to allocate resources more efficiently. But it’s important to keep in mind that cloud computing requires a reliable Internet connection and can create security risks when not managed properly.
There are three main cloud deployment models: public cloud, private cloud and hybrid cloud. Within those models are four major services: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), software as a service (SaaS) and function as a service (FaaS).
IaaS allows users to access IT tools like virtual computers, storage and networks through the Internet over a secure connection instead of using dedicated hardware in the company’s data center. This model reduces the need for purchasing, deploying and managing physical hardware and frees IT staff to focus on more strategic projects.
PaaS provides a development and deployment environment in the cloud for creating cloud-based applications. It offers on-demand scalable resources that can scale up or down to accommodate business needs, eliminating bottlenecks for agile and DevOps development teams. SaaS allows companies to use a vendor’s software on the cloud over a secure connection and removes the need for installing and updating local software on employees’ devices.
While the cloud has numerous advantages, it’s not without risks. One of the most significant is that it can expose your organization to commercial, financial and legal risks if not managed effectively. To mitigate those risks, it’s critical to understand your cloud vendor’s responsibilities in the cloud, including its security posture, data encryption and configuration of firewalls.