Cloud Hosting
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Cloud hosting has become a common catch phrase in today’s business world. In spite of the familiarity of the term, its meaning is often unclear. What does cloud hosting mean? What is the difference between private cloud hosting and public cloud hosting? How can small, medium, and large businesses use cloud hosting?
Cloud computing is the use of a conglomeration of computer resources, called a cloud, to run a business. Software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) allows businesses to avoid the costly purchase and upgrade of equipment and software licenses, and the building of expensive infrastructures. Cloud hosting is intended to give businesses the tools to efficiently manage their online presence and data, be it a local intranet, informative web site, or full-fledged Ecommerce site.
Traditional web site hosting involves purchasing a computer server or leasing shared or dedicated server space. Run from a single, often shared, resource, this type of hosting is subject to slow downs from heavy traffic and hardware failure. The cloud hosting concept pools computer resources, instantly providing additional capabilities as needed. Most cloud computing services use a pay-as-needed system where businesses only pay for the services they actually use.
A Closer Look
Cloud hosting offers numerous advantages over traditional hosting options. These include:
- Availability: Hosting does not rely on a single server, but on a cloud of computer resources. The cloud is comprised of multiple dedicated servers, virtual servers, storage, and load balancers that ensure web site availability
- Scalability: Cloud hosting adds the ability to instantly meet the demands of higher traffic loads without the purchase of costly upgrades and server crashes
- Redundancy: By its nature, cloud computing is redundant, making use of multiple lines of computer resources. Multiple platforms ensure data backup and instant recovery in the case of hardware failure, giving cloud hosting unequalled reliability
Public or Private?
The two main categories of cloud hosting are private and public. Similar in some ways, there are significant differences to be aware of.
- Public Cloud Hosting: The main attraction to public cloud hosting is that it is typically less expensive than private. The trade-off, however, is its lack of security. Business data can be exposed to hackers and malicious applications. Public hosting also lacks the customisation and control options of private cloud hosting
- Private Cloud Hosting: Private cloud hosting costs more than public, but it is exceedingly more secure. Private hosting allows for custom design architecture and gives the business greater control over its data and users. Because of its enhanced security and multiple options, most business executives choose private cloud hosting
Secure Data Centres
Virtual servers such as VMware’s vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V give businesses the power to utilize cloud technology to run a host of virtual machines from a single server. Each virtual machine runs unique programs and performs different duties, but all are administered from one source. Upgrading, patching software, performing virus checks, and enhancing security no longer have to be done on each individual machine, saving time and money.
Business professionals are beginning to realize the benefits that cloud computing brings, such as an increase in productivity and a more profitable bottom line. Cloud hosting, dedicated servers, data storage, and enhanced security options are available from many secure UK data centres.
