Cloud computing technology allows for a lot of interconnected features and long-term storage. However, unless you’re a tech expert yourself, it’s likely you’ve heard phrases like “Let’s back it up to the cloud” without really knowing what this means. Below, the professionals from Xonicwave, premier providers of IT service San Diego County businesses rely on for unsurpassed expertise, offer this guide to how the cloud works and why it’s so important.
The Cloud Defined
“The cloud” refers to a complex network of servers that manage computing tasks remotely and has multiple locations connected by both wireless internet connections and wired hardware connections. Each server in the cloud can handle a variety of tasks, and they share resources and information with each other.
When people talk about the cloud, they aren’t referring to one specific entity. Multiple companies and organizations run their own specific clouds. To qualify as a cloud, the network simply needs to have multiple computer servers that work together to form a whole network.
How the Cloud Works
If you’re a typical computer user, a connection to the cloud starts with your own personal computing device. You use your phone, laptop, personal computer, or tablet to make a request from a system. This request is then sent to the cloud system. Behind the scenes, the network pools resources and communicates with various devices to satisfy the request. They then collect the necessary data or perform the required task and send the results back to you. With the typical cloud, this process is simultaneously happening multiple times across different devices with different users.
Uses for Computer Clouds
The cloud is frequently used for data storage. It lets people send their information to an off-site location for storage so they can back up their data. The cloud is also an essential part of social media. It operates the systems that keep these vast networks of data running smoothly. Cloud computing makes it easier to communicate with others and send information back and forth. It’s also used to manage many types of software and run a lot of games.
The Pros and Cons of the Cloud
Computer clouds are a popular choice for modern networks because they’re extremely reliable and flexible. Since multiple devices are handling the network, one failing won’t cause the entire system to crash. The cloud is also useful because it allows users to access services, like data storage or processing power, their computer hardware couldn’t manage on its own.
However, the cloud can come with some security and privacy challenges. Since data is getting sent back and forth between multiple locations, there are more opportunities for malicious actors to steal the data. Furthermore, cloud computing is heavily reliant on outside services. Users have less control over their experience, and things like a server outage halfway around the world can cause problems for your computer.
