The term cloud here doesn’t refer to the slow-moving formations in the skies. It refers to something more complex, especially to the tech-savvy folks.
In the world of computing and data storage, ‘cloud’ is a commonly used word, nowadays. In today’s world of data computing and storage, almost everyone may have made use of the cloud without knowing. Have you used YouTube, Instagram, Gmail, and Flickr, Hotmail or several banking apps? Well, these applications make use of cloud!
So What Is ‘Cloud’?
Cloud is a collection of connected computers that can only be accessed via the internet. They work hand-in-hand to provide users with various online services.
The cloud cannot be accessed or touched physically. It can only be controlled by a user via the internet.
Understand the Difference between Cloud Computing and Cloud Storage
Cloud computing is a process whereby you outsource some of the tasks you’re supposed to carry out on your own via the internet. Whether you’re dealing with complex processing and development or a tad simpler storage, cloud helps you get these done easily via a server or network of connected computers.
Most users do not want to purchase new hard drives and yet can’t delete important files in their devices to free up space. Enters cloud computing.
Even businesses, in the yester-years, had a need for computing and processing and had to invest in equipment. However, due to the inability to understand the demand for the next couple of years, these businesses overbuy this equipment and so likely have office space, power, bandwidth and other factors necessary to run such equipment lying waste.
These days, however, businesses pay for cloud computing as you pay for electricity – pay-as-you-go. Sometimes when the data to be processed becomes too bulky, the computing power is increased and then pushed back into the cloud when it’s done.
In fewer words, cloud computing allows several people to work with the same bit of data, simultaneously. If you have ever used Gmail, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and the likes, then you have used cloud computing. Even bank apps make use of the same platform.
Cloud storage, on the other hand, deals with storing data in a remote location. The stored data can be accessed at any time via the internet and from any internet-enabled device.
A cloud service provider is responsible for storing every data sent by clients to this physical location, especially clients who don’t want such data stored in their devices.
Cloud storage is done by the interconnection of several data servers that are equally connected to a central server. A perfect example of cloud storage is Dropbox where the users can save and share files.
Is Cloud A Safe Option Of Data Computing And Storage?
There are two major concerns with data management and storage: security and reliability.
As time burns, our daily need for data processing and storage is continually increasing. Cloud offers to help ease this burden by providing bulky processing power and storage capacities but another cause of curiosity is the safety of our data. Is it safe? Is it secure? Can I access my data at any given time from the cloud service provider?
Here is your answer.
Cloud is like physical backups and in several remote locations. It means that the providers, aware of several mishaps like hacking or physical destruction that may happen to the data storage hardware, employ several techniques and procedures to keep information safe.
Sometimes, information gets hacked en route and the best that can be done is encryption so that the hacker may find it useless.
However, with our daily expanding storage and computing needs, we have to put our trust in cloud service providers and believe that they’d do everything possible to keep our data safe. On second thought, personal or sensitive data shouldn’t be uploaded in the cloud to forestall any form of regrets because stories have been told of government and other bodies peeking into clients' private cloud data. Sensitive data should be stored in your PC secured by a firewall.
How Is Cloud Affecting The IT World?
As of late, the IT industry has been faced with a terrific shift because of cloud computing. There are recently launched technologies that do well to bring IT functions via the internet and at zero costs!
Now, IT departments are seriously making moves to help them match the fast trends. That said, below are some of the ways that cloud is affecting and would affect the IT world both now and in the future.
· Changes in IT infrastructures
Since data can now be pushed to the cloud (both public and private), IT developers are changing or would have to change their service delivery infrastructure to lure users.
· Lower demand for IT staff
Since cloud allows many IT functions at lower costs, there may be a diminishing demand for IT support staff. However, if the employees are made to understand and work the latest applications, then a need must have been created.
· Security
Data stored on cloud means we do not have control over them anymore as we have given them to the cloud service provider. However, the cloud offers a safer means of storage than an in-house facility.
Cloud providers have trained data security personnel who employ different measures to ensure that your data is safe.
In a nutshell, cloud computing allows companies to have enough time to run their day to day business rather than spend that on IT procedures. Which means cloud computing is all about efficiency rather than physical resources.
Companies that ignore this trend now may just be at a disadvantage in the near future.
Cloud Computing Job Training
Cloud computing, being an IT service gotten over the internet is a priority for most employers because it gives them time and reduces the cost of expenses. A cloud engineer is a hot job position these days.
There are necessary certifications and training before you can become a cloud engineer.
A cloud engineer manages, develops, plans, and supports a company’s bulky cloud computing needs.
There are several computer schools and universities that offer courses and useful certificates in cloud computing. Several IT degree programs offer a chance to learn and build on your marketable skills.
The skills and educational requirement for cloud computing job training vary according to the roles. A cloud engineer is a general term that can be broken into a cloud developer, cloud support specialist, and cloud architect.
With an associate degree and some other IT skills and certifications in relevant fields, you can land the role of a cloud support specialist. However, the roles of a cloud architect or cloud developer require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or any related courses.
You also have several training programs that you can do to match the educational requirements of employers in this field. They are AAS in IT programming and software development, BS in cybersecurity, and MS in both ‘enterprise networks and cloud computing’ and technology management. Learn cloud computing online and get yourself ready to land in some of the in-demand jobs out there!