Over 90% of companies use some form of Cloud computing.
Cloud trends show an increase in demand year-on-year. The global Cloud service market is set to reach $623 billion. And Cloud data centers will run 94% of business workloads by 2021.
With a huge shift in traditional computing moving to the Cloud comes one clear challenge: how is everything managed?
This article examines Cloud service management.
We give examples of the different types of Cloud services. Then we share how choosing the right managed Cloud service provider is critical to run a modern IT infrastructure.
The article is aimed at those with limited knowledge of Cloud managed services and explains what they are and how they work. So read this beginner’s guide to learn everything you need to know about Cloud service management.
What Is Cloud Computing?
There is much talk about Cloud computing and moving IT systems to the Cloud. But what does that mean?
In simple terms, Cloud computing delivers a range of computing services online. The Cloud, therefore, means using the Internet to deliver IT solutions.
Cloud computing covers facilities like:
- File servers and storage
- Databases
- Networking
- Software
- Analytics and artificial intelligence (AI)
The reason why businesses of all types and sizes are moving to the Cloud is due to the advancements in our modern infrastructure.
High-speed Internet access offers faster innovation and flexibility. Transferring large volumes of data is now possible using fiber optic cables and broadband technology.
Businesses use this for Cloud based project management and Cloud based inventory management.
Data is available anytime and anywhere. That means sales teams with mobile devices can update orders on the road. Staff can chat in real-time and share information using document management Cloud services.
Types of Cloud Computing
There are three recognized types of Cloud computing:
- Public Cloud
- Private Cloud
- Hybrid Cloud
Public Clouds are owned and maintained by Cloud service providers which we’ll examine shortly.
Servers are stored in secure data centers that are linked to hyper-fast Internet cables. Businesses pay to use these services and usually access them via a web browser.
Private Clouds are dedicated computers that belong to an organization.
They can reside on the company’s premises or within a provider’s data center. The network that links these servers is private with no public access given.
Hybrid Clouds are a popular choice as they combine public and private types.
Data gets exchanged between different servers but everything is handled using strict guidelines. This provides flexibility while maintaining security and compliance.
What are Cloud Services?
Cloud services cover four main areas called the computing stack:
- Software as a Service or SaaS
- Infrastructure as a Service or IaaS
- Platform as a Service or PaaS
- Serverless
Each offers its own solutions like Virtual Machines or video streaming. SaaS lets businesses tap into large-scale applications without having to download installations files.
A good example of this is Microsoft 365.
Hybrid IT Group has developed a software solution that works with the Microsoft Azure 365 platform. Our customers can take advantage of Cloud computing to only pay for the apps and data they use.
The result is low-cost and scalable access to Office documents and services with a guaranteed up-time connection.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
The Cloud is known for its massive scale.
Cloud data centers span the globe and can cope with millions of terabytes of data streaming on daily basis. No longer is one computer server expected to manage everything. On the Cloud, the workload gets distributed and shared.
Cloud services are also less expensive as you pay for the information you store and use. That lowers operating costs and increases efficiency. And it’s much easier to see where the IT budget is spent at the end of each quarter.
Security is a major concern of all companies and the Cloud offers major security advantages.
Service providers like Microsoft have invested billions of dollars into security. Their Cloud platform covers 90+ compliance regulations to safeguard data for its customers.
With all these benefits, how and who manages these Cloud services?
What Are Cloud Managed Services?
With thousands of connected data centers and a constant flow of data, it’s essential that Cloud services are managed correctly.
With Public and Hybrid Clouds, this responsibility lands on the shoulders of the Cloud service provider.
Managed Cloud server providers like Microsoft lets businesses tap-into their Azure Cloud platform. Azure offers 200+ services to public and private organizations including health care and retail.
Everything is constantly monitored to ensure the systems work as they should. That includes checking for hacking attacks and system vulnerabilities.
But that doesn’t mean systems are always secure on the Cloud. Or that you should leave everything up to the provider.
Secure Cloud Managed Services
According to Sophos, 70% of companies hosting data in the Cloud have experienced a security issue. Two-thirds leave a backdoor open to attack.
The reason? A poorly configured Cloud set-up and lack of ongoing protection.
Although Cloud provider SLAs offer some support, businesses still need their own systems managed.
Our customers’ previous experiences prove that cyberattacks can severely disrupt working life. They believed that the Cloud provider would manage everything but didn’t recognize the need for a personal approach.
Hybrid IT Group stepped in to assist.
Our cybersecurity and fully-managed Cloud solutions helped them get back on track. We also move small businesses from traditional IT platforms to more affordable alternatives.
Now, they take advantage of Cloud computing while having the peace of mind that their systems are safe.
Hybrid IT Group Cloud Service Management Solutions
This guide has outlined the benefits of Cloud computing.
You now have a clearer picture regarding the different types of Cloud services and the role of a Cloud provider. But more importantly, you understand why Cloud service management is an essential part of the process.
With over 25 years of experience, Hybrid IT Group leads the way as a managed Cloud service provider.
Our team works with small and mid-sized businesses to help them take advantage of the Cloud. We understand and implement compliance regulations, using leading Cloud services like Microsoft 365.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
Know that with Hybrid IT Group you are working with Cloud experts. And we help companies succeed in a world of computer technology.
