Enterprise cloud computing is similar to what you have been using for years, the storage services provided by big tech giants like Google Drive, OneDrive, and even Gmail to store all your mail. These services are backed by cloud computing technology.
The difference is that enterprise cloud is used by big setups to run entire systems, store huge amounts of data, and manage business tasks from anywhere through the internet.
Be it an e-commerce company, healthcare, education, banking, media, or even the government itself, enterprise cloud solutions are the most scalable option to store data, run applications, and manage work online. It eases the burden of maintaining lots of computers and servers. This article explains what enterprise cloud computing is, its benefits, history, and what are the different types of cloud architecture available.
What Is Enterprise Cloud Computing?
Enterprise cloud means big setups use the internet to get storage, power, and software. It is established to bring the flexibility of a public cloud platform while prioritising the security and protection of a private cloud platform. They want to evade the hassle of buying big servers. It’s like using a giant computer online, managed by someone else at a different location. Services can be expanded or shrunk as per the current needs to save money. Enterprises use it to work faster without worrying about security.
Business cloud solutions may help companies reduce costs, improve speed, and make it easier for teams to collaborate. Whether a company is focused on building new apps or storing large amounts of data, cloud computing makes it possible, letting you stay focused on other operations.
A Brief History of Enterprise Cloud Computing
1963 — In 1963, MIT built a system for DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) that let two or three people use one big computer at the same time. This early idea became the starting point for what we now call cloud computing.
1969 — In 1969, the early version of the internet came into existence. This idea made the foundation of virtualisation, and in the 1970s, it shifted to a fully functional computer with an operating system. The use of virtual computers became popular in the 1990s, leading to the development of the modern cloud computing infrastructure.
1990s — Cloud computing was defined as a new way of computing based on cost, not just technology. By 1999, businesses started moving on it by delivering software over the internet.
2002–2010: Cloud computing saw rapid development during this period. In 2002, Amazon stepped into the technology, seeing the advantages of low server utilisation. By 2006, Amazon had launched AWS, offering services like EC2 for virtual computing. Google also introduced Google Docs, enabling online collaboration. Then, many big tech giants adopted cloud computing, like IBM, Netflix, and others. By 2010, cloud functionality expanded further with the launch of OpenStack and greater involvement from AWS and Microsoft Azure.
From 2010 onward, cloud computing has evolved rapidly, now we can see it is widely adopted. Companies like AWS, Microsoft, and OpenStack enhanced their services. Then, the hybrid cloud concept emerged in 2011, also emerging to bridge the gap between private and public clouds.
Now, today, cloud computing offers SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS models of services. Businesses get robust cloud management, strong security, and developer-focused tools as well. Service providers promote flexibility and scalability in the cloud.
Benefits of Enterprise Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has several advantages that make it perfect for enterprises. It offers more than just online storage.
Let’s look at how cloud computing helps businesses:
Lower costs
One of the biggest advantages of enterprise cloud computing is that it’s cheap. The heavy investment in building physical data centres, buying expensive hardware, or purchasing licenses for complex software is now long gone. Big setups can also save the cost of hiring extra manpower for the maintenance of their servers. It is a reliable option to only pay for what they use, making it highly cost-effective.
Eased workload on IT staff
Cloud providers can tackle many routine and time-consuming tasks themselves. In-house IT teams can stay focused on other operations.
Improved data protection
Top cloud solution providers secure data by dedicating separate teams and offering advanced security systems. Features like identity access controls and real-time monitoring help keep sensitive data safer.
On-demand flexibility
Cloud platforms provide nearly absolute computing control that can be used as needed. This allows businesses to choose and operate the technologies as per their needs.
Seamless scalability
On the cloud, it is quite easy to scale up and down. Companies have the option to increase or decrease computing capacity instantly and let the service provider manage the hardware.
Improved business agility
Cloud resources can be deployed in just minutes. This quick access allows companies to ponder new ideas more quickly, speed up product launches, and excel over the competition.
Better disaster recovery and uptime
Cloud systems are designed keeping the worst-case scenario in mind. They are equipped with backups and multiple data centres, so if one server fails or encounters a disaster, services can still be continued. Quicker recovery can be done by automated backups, just in case of data loss.
Accessibility
Cloud computing provides access to data and applications from anywhere, allowing remote work and collaboration across the globe. All you need is a stable internet connection.
Future Trends of Enterprise Cloud Computing
According to experts and the latest statistics, below are the future trends that can shape the way enterprise cloud infrastructures function:
Quantum Cloud Computing
Quantum cloud will be backed by concepts of quantum physics to power ultra-fast computers. Tech giants have already begun integrating quantum systems to utilise complex algorithms and massive datasets instantly. Having the data stored in qubits, quantum computing offers high performance and efficiency. It will be advantageous for many sectors like finance, pharmaceuticals, and R&D.
Edge Cloud Computing
This trend will make it possible to work with data processing along with its sources, like devices and servers. This mitigates sluggishness, improves security, and streamlines real-time data analysis. With increasing enterprise cloud adoption, edge solutions are easily becoming more accessible for them.
Real-time cloud systems
Real-time cloud allows businesses to monitor performance changes instantly using AI, ML, and automation. In the coming years, decisions can be more accurate. Real-time customer insights and efficient workflow will make businesses competitive in a fast-paced market.
Sustainability
As people are becoming climate-conscious, sustainable cloud computing is crucial. Many cloud providers are working toward net-zero carbon emissions and developing energy-efficient infrastructure.
Cloud Security and Compliance
As data moves online, the risks of breaches are also there. Major moves are crucial to enhance encryption, secure access, and robust compliance measures. There is a healthy competition among cloud providers to bring innovation, performance, and protection.
What Are the Different Types of Enterprise Cloud Architecture?
Here are the main cloud models companies use:
As the advantages of cloud computing in enterprises are huge, they are actively seeking the perfect solutions. However, choosing the right cloud model that matches the requirements takes an understanding of all the models available. Let’s do this prerequisite and learn about all the types of cloud architecture:
Public Cloud
A public cloud model is managed by a third-party service. Through this, accessibility of cloud computing is possible for anyone, and the cloud infrastructure can be shared with other businesses as well.
Services like Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) are offered in the public cloud model. Companies put their money on public cloud services for data storage that may not require frequent use or for less sensitive applications that are rarely used.
Private Cloud
Private cloud IT infrastructure is hosted privately. It can be a data centre owned by themselves, a third-party service, or even a private cloud vendor. Limited access to the private cloud infrastructure is its USP. It means services can be accessed only by one customer.
Private cloud systems provide extended control and robust security. However, IT expertise requirements are higher in comparison to the public cloud.
As both these types of cloud architecture provide adequate solutions, there was still a need for a middle-ground cloud model, which is the hybrid cloud.
Hybrid Cloud
As it can be clearly understood, hybrid means a blend of both the public and private cloud. The hybrid cloud model offers somewhat combined and flexible cloud services. This unified solution in the cloud allows businesses to go with the most suitable environment for each workload and sail through the services as needed.
The hybrid cloud offers a streamlined and managed option with excellent scalability as per the changing needs, robust security, and effortless switching between systems. Enterprise hybrid cloud is becoming a prime solution for many businesses.
Multi-Cloud
A multi-cloud model of cloud computing involves employing multiple cloud systems for one company. How it is different from hybrid cloud is that it does not use only one cloud computing vendor for the hosting, instead, it makes use of several providers.
This model is best for increased backup and guarantees that the data is safe, securing it with different vendors. It does not rely on only one provider for a single entity.
Each cloud computing model has suitable solutions as per business needs, with great benefits.
Conclusion
Enterprise cloud computing has become a necessity for big businesses to operate without worrying about the servers and hiring extra IT experts. They are lured by its various benefits, like flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency across different industries.
Moreover, enterprises have the option to go with a suitable cloud computing type, like public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud models. Each model serves the best solution to meet unique needs. Be it improved data security or disaster recovery, enterprise cloud computing can establish collaboration and support. So the benefits of cloud computing continue to grow. With the new cloud trends, updatation is much needed to excel in the dense competition. If you want to know how XYZ Infotech can help you choose the right cloud service to back up your digital transformation, contact us now.