Top 7 Cloud Computing Applications in Real World

Since its inception, cloud computing has taken the digital world by storm. Cloud computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet so that the data can be managed, stored, or processed. Previously, this data had to be stored in local servers or personal computers which meant that space was kept extremely limited.

However, with cloud computing, it has become possible to reach almost unlimited space and boost remote processing as well. Due to optimal resource utilization, flexibility, cost reduction and elasticity, cloud computing has grown immensely in its potential. Machine learning in cloud also has a list of benefits. Plus, cloud computing applications have expanded to multiple devices, including mobile phones.

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Top Cloud Computing Applications in 2024

1. Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Two popular forms of cloud computing are PaaS or Platform as a service and IaaS or Infrastructure as a service. In the PaaS model, the hardware and software tools are provided to the users by a third party, generally for application development. The hardware and software are hosted by the provider.

In the IaaS model, cloud computing is provided on virtualized computing resources via the internet. The IaaS model is quite popular among companies as it cuts costs on investing and managing an entire IT structure since pay-per-use schemes are available for cloud computing services on the internet.

PaaS is also used with the same cost-cutting philosophy, along with boosting the speed of developing and deploying applications on a ready-to-use platform. Both these cloud computing applications have made it much easier for businesses to be productive as well as cost-effective.

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2. Hybrid Cloud Approach

While deploying an application, it is important to deploy it in a limited environment to test out the workload and the comfort of using the application. Creating this environment is costly and would be a complete waste if the application fails. Hence, many companies use the hybrid cloud approach, which creates a platform for infrastructure and applications.

During limited peak usage, a hybrid cloud can expand – a feature that is preferred over hosting of large infrastructures. You can even expand on the various services based on the pay-per-use service features provided by Hybrid cloud services.

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3. Testing and development

Cloud computing applications can help in creating a wonderful test and development environment for many developers. Traditionally, such an environment would have required time, a hefty budget for setting up the physical assets, and manpower. It is clear that setting up such an environment is not especially cost-effective and will stretch the deadlines and budget for a project.

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However, with the help of cloud computing, you can have all these resources delivered to you almost instantly with a comparatively lower cost. This feature can also be combined with the automatic allocation of virtual and physical resources.

4. Big data analysis   

Big data analysis means the use of advanced and diverse analytical techniques on large data sets (can be terabytes or zettabytes). These data sets can be structured, unstructured, or semi-structured. One of the biggest feats of cloud computing is its contribution to big data analysis. Due to the storage facility offered by Cloud, people can now tap into unstructured, semi-structured, and structured data and convert them into business value.

By analyzing this data, businesses can find out market trends, buying patterns, and consumers and use this knowledge for targeted marketing and advertisements. Social media often uses big data analysis to understand the behavioral patterns of users and gain meaningful insight about them and suggest tailored recommendations. Learn more about how big data analysis helps business.

5. Storage

Storage of data locally has always been a bit of a hassle. As we grew technologically, we required more and more space to store data. For example, if we talk about something as simple as a game – a 1990s game would only require about 8MB storage while games after 2017 would probably require above 30GB of space.

Nowadays, people can use cloud to store and access their files. You can store it from multiple devices and access the file from these devices as well as use other cloud-based services. Not only is storage on cloud convenient, but it also comes with high speed, benefits of scalability, and has integrated security too.

The storage is almost unlimited against a specific amount paid, and there is no need for daily maintenance of the data. Companies can store data on the premises or off-premises based on their compliance requirements. It is also stored by the third party based on customer specifications.

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6. Recovery

Traditionally, due to the lack of proper cloud-based services, recovery was difficult or almost near impossible. Companies used to rely on different storage tools so that any loss of data can be retrieved from another storage. It wasn’t a very cost-effective process. There were rigid procedures for recovery, and the fixed assets required regular maintenance.

However, with the help of cloud, disaster recovery solutions have become more cost-effective. Disaster recovery solutions in cloud help in speeding up the recovery process from a mesh of varying physical locations at a much cheaper cost than traditional, locally placed disaster recovery systems.

7. Backup

Backing up data is a complicated process, and many computer scientists and engineers are always trying to modify and improve it. Previously, a set of drives or tapes were used. Data was manually collected and dispatched to the backup facility. This came with a host of problems, like the loss of data between the originating site and the backup site.

One of the common problems was running out of backup media. Human errors were often common too. Plus, recovery from the backup devices took a lot of time. With the use of cloud-based backup services, it is possible to dispatch the data automatically from any location using a wire. It is a secure means to activate the backup process. The capacity of the cloud server is not an issue, and the backup can be readily available from any device as well, making it so much more convenient.

Conclusion

Apart from these common services, cloud computing applications are much more diverse, and they are ever-expanding. Common people are using cloud services from their mobile devices so as to store important photos or videos. It is clear that cloud computing will be defining the future over the next few decades.

Cloud computing has resulted in increasing the cost-effectiveness of several IT-based businesses by ensuring infrastructure flexibility. Cloud services have also made it possible for businesses to grow since they can engage in big data analysis and understand consumers better. Cloud computing applications, used in the right way, could pave a new path for the digital world.

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