The market for cloud computing has expanded significantly in recent years, and is expected to grow by $25.4 bn between 2022 and 2026. But even though cloud-based technology permeates every aspect of our daily lives, particularly the business market, many people are still asking questions regarding what cloud computing and cloud computing documentation entail. In order to help clarify this topic, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about cloud computing.
What is Cloud Computing?
The Oxford Dictionary defines cloud computing as “a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data.” As a result of its on-demand structure, cloud computing provides services such as databases, storage, software, analytics, applications, and other IT needs. In addition, cloud computing innovations allow all users access to data anytime and anywhere.
What is the Difference Between Traditional IT & Cloud Computing?
A traditional IT model consists of physical hardware for a computer system or network to function. Businesses that operate with a traditional infrastructure will own and have full access to a physical server. Their IT department manages and maintains all of the organization’s data onsite. In contrast, cloud computing makes use of off-site or remote servers that are still maintained and accessed via the internet on demand by multiple users. The main difference between traditional IT and cloud computing is how data is processed and how much is stored.
What are the Benefits of Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing allows businesses to instantaneously access their data and any related resources, services, and applications from any location. There is no requirement for physical hardware. Instead, businesses can adapt to changes in their business operations and purchase software relevant to their business needs, which helps reduce the cost of managing and maintaining an IT system. The pay-as-you-go option can save businesses time and money. Cloud computing also provides large storage capacity, automatic updates, and data recovery capabilities to ensure data is safe and secure in an emergency.
What are the Disadvantages of Cloud Computing?
Problems with training personnel and security are among the main disadvantages of cloud computing. A business that adopts cloud computing may have employees who are unfamiliar with this technology, and thus are reluctant to learn the new skills and knowledge required to use it. On the other hand, employers may hire employees who have experience with cloud technology and cloud computing documentation if their current employees lack training with them. However, cybercriminals are using the same advanced technology to steal valuable data, which means there is always the threat of cyberattacks.
What are the Types of Cloud Computing?
There are three types of cloud computing. These are:
Public Cloud: With a public cloud, the general public has access to applications and other computing services through the internet, with this access being provided by a third-party provider. Amazon Web Services is an example of a public cloud.
Private Cloud: A private cloud is a cloud service that is used exclusively in an organization. Only authorized individuals in the private network can access, use, and store data.
Hybrid Cloud: A hybrid cloud combines public and private cloud methods.
What are the Types of Cloud Services?
There are three models of cloud service:
IaaS- (Infrastructure as a Service) – is a cloud service that allows companies access to various infrastructures such as servers, data storage, firewalls, virtual machines, network resources, operating systems, and more. In addition, companies can customize these infrastructures immediately when developing specialized applications without the hassle of setting up cloud hardware first. IaaS allows internet usage and has a pay-as-you-go model.
PaaS- (Platform as a Service) – is often used by software developers. PaaS services are tools to help simplify the creation and development process of software and web-based applications. With the use of PaaS, businesses can build applications for multiple platforms with ease.
SaaS- (Software as a Service) – is a cloud service that allows users to access web-based applications over the internet on a subscription basis. This type of cloud service is the most familiar of the three. Google apps are part of SaaS.
What are Some Cloud Computing Service Providers?
There are many emerging cloud services available. However, here are the most popular cloud computing service providers:
- Alibaba Cloud
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Google Cloud
- IBM Cloud
- Microsoft Azure
- Oracle
- Rackspace Cloud
- Salesforce
- SAP
- VMWare
What is a Cloud Computing Strategy Document?
A cloud computing strategy document is a detailed plan to outline a business. The objective for this document is to transfer your operations to the cloud successfully. This also includes choosing the right cloud model (public, private, hybrid) that best suits your business needs, what data you will migrate first, and if it coincides with your existing strategies. Depending on your business, this guideline may include but is not limited to financial options, employee development, maintenance plans, implementation timeframes, security governance, and more.
When developing a cloud strategy, documentation is essential. Documentation will allow you to keep track of the information contained in your cloud strategy, as well as make that information readily accessible to employees when necessary. Technical writers can help greatly with writing such documentation, as they are capable of rendering the information these documents contain into a form that is more easily understandable.
Cloud Technology Has Revolutionized Business
Cloud technology has revolutionized how we do business. As this technology continues to evolve, so should your cloud knowledge. Regardless of your cloud transformation stage, asking the right questions will be the key to navigating what works for your business operation.
How Can EDC Help with Cloud Computing Documentation?
Whether you are a small business or a large corporation, EDC can help optimize the development of your staff by designing a cloud strategy that aligns with your company’s objective. In addition, we have technical writers who are highly-trained in cloud computing documentation. EDC can assess your weaknesses, recommend cloud solutions to improve daily operations that will increase your overall productivity, and write the documentation needed to employ those solutions.
Whether you need a single software technical writer for a brief project or a team of consultants to produce a complete line of documentation, the quality of our work is guaranteed for you. Our clients work closely with an Engagement Manager from one of our 30 local offices for the entire length of your project at no additional cost. Contact us at (800) 221-0093 or [email protected]