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Cloud computing encompasses a broad range of activities, as well as a number of professional services. The official definition of the term was established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2011. That definition can be condensed to the following: a process that utilizes remote servers hosted on the internet, rather than a personal computer or local server, to store, process and manage data. A broader definition would include the set of skills required to securely and efficiently manage data in the cloud for maximum personal and professional benefit.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
To remain competitive, most businesses now utilize cloud technology to streamline business processes, increase security, and reduce operating costs. Cloud services eliminate the need to purchase expensive hardware and provide automatic software and security updates. It enables people to access and share data from anywhere at any time. In the event of a lost laptop or other mobile device, sensitive data can be wiped from the device remotely, ensuring the security of private information.
Types of Clouds
Although people often refer to “the cloud”, there isn’t just one cloud anymore. While there is a public cloud that most people share, there are also private clouds and hybrids that utilize both public and private cloud spaces. Private clouds are often utilized by businesses that have the most stringent legal security requirements, such as banks and medical institutions. Hybrid clouds allow users to create the most efficient storage and management environment possible, including varying levels of security for each type of data.
Types of Cloud Services
The three primary types of cloud services are SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). SaaS is a service in which a provider licenses an application to customers. The cost for some services is calculated per use, while others, such as Microsoft 365, have a monthly or yearly subscription rate. In the PaaS model, the host provides both hardware and software tools for developing new applications. In the IaaS model, the provider hosts components of the infrastructure, including hardware, software, servers, and storage, as well as handling regular system maintenance.
Future Growth and Employment Opportunities
Experts predict that storing data in the cloud will become even more prevalent than it is today. The current cloud storage market, valued at US $18.87 billion, is expected to grow by 28.2% to US $65.41 billion by the year 2020. That growth is creating a demand for high tech workers. In 2015, of the 3.9 million computing jobs in the U.S. alone, 384,478 of them were in the IT (Information Technology) field. Those with computing skills can expect to earn a higher than average salary. Computer coding tops the list of the skills most in demand in today’s job market.
As exciting new ways to utilize cloud technology are discovered, like the new cloud-based vending machine, definitions of computing will continue to evolve. Meanwhile, computer technology will continue to contribute to the continued evolution of mankind.
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