Cloud hosting is typically a set of pooled resource delivered via the network in which the customer has access to an entire network of servers, all of which “flow” into one another. From running a critical business application to storing huge amounts of data or delivering an online solution to millions of users across geography, delivery of service has to be flawless. Cloud hosting services provide the flawless execution you demand from your hosted infrastructure delivering a hosting environment that doesn’t limit an application to a specific set of resources.
Some examples of cloud computing applications include software as a service (SaaS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), file storage, file synchronization and file back-up. Businesses can have their own private cloud that includes specific services and is only accessible to specific people.
It is basically a hybrid between dedicated and shared hosting and the major advantage being that end user i.e. you only pay for what you use, nothing more, nothing less. The cloud can quickly make resources available as they’re needed by scaling thousands of servers to. Cloud hosting customers never need to worry about buying new hardware to meet increasing traffic demands or huge traffic spikes. Thus you get dedicated hardware and resources with the flexibility to scale up and down.
Benefits of Cloud Hosting Services:
* Reduced Cost – With cloud technology you only need to pay for what you use and it also offers the flexibility, in that it can be quickly and easily scaled up and down according to demand. You subscribe for the software, and hardware rather than buying it
* Increased Storage– Cloud offers virtually unlimited storage compared to server and hard drives. Needing more storage space is not an issue; neither is server upgrades and equipment – all it will cost you for more storage space is an increase in your monthly fees.
* Highly Automated-There is no need to buy and install expensive software because it’s already installed online remotely and you run it from there.
* Flexibility – Cloud computing offers much more flexibility which means that staff can access the files and data that they need even when they’re working remotely in/or outside office hours on their desktop, laptop and even from a Smartphone such as a BlackBerry or iPhone , all they need is access to internet. Employees can also collaborate, review and edit documents from multiple locations
* Mobility– With companies going global mobility cannot be a restraining factor. Employees can access their desktop and information wherever they are, rather than having to remain at their desks.
* Relieves IT – Businesses no longer need to worry about constant server updates and other computing issues, compliances, regulations, storage, backup etc, they will be free to concentrate on innovation and technical issues specific to the business.
Microsoft recently claimed that cloud computing can reduce a business’s carbon emissions by as much as 30%, as businesses don’t need to power an entire server, they only use (and pay for) what they need online.
Scalability being the biggest benefit of cloud computing, it’s easy for enterprises to opt for cloud hosting services in small way by trying out certain applications to see how it works and expand depending on the viability.
Related links: Disaster recovery services, cloud computing providers in India, Infrastructure as a Service
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