What is Cloud Computing? Explained

Cloud Computing has established itself as an essential pillar in the digital transformation of businesses. Initially reserved for large corporations, it is now accessible to all organizations, from SMEs to ETIs. And it's all made possible by increasingly flexible, cost-effective solutions tailored to business needs.

But what exactly is Cloud Computing? What are its models, advantages and limitations? How do you choose a provider?

This article by rzilient takes you step by step through the challenges of Cloud Computing and helps you make the right choices.

What is Cloud Computing?

The term "Cloud Computing" refers to the delivery of IT services (storage, servers, applications, databases, computing power) via the Internet, rather than through infrastructures hosted locally within the enterprise.

In practical terms, this means you can access IT resources on-demand, in a self-service, flexible consumption model: you only pay for what you use, without having to invest (sometimes heavily) in hardware and software.

In other words, the cloud transforms IT into a service, available in a few clicks, scalable and accessible from anywhere.

In practice, this approach enables companies to focus on their core business, while relying on robust infrastructures and innovative solutions offered by major players such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

The different Cloud Computing models

To better understand Cloud Computing, you need to distinguish between its 3 main service models, which correspond to different levels of responsibility and autonomy.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS is the model closest to traditional infrastructure. You rent IT resources: virtual servers, storage, networks, operating systems. You manage their configuration, updating and operation.

This model is particularly interesting if you want to keep control of the technical architecture while avoiding hardware constraints. For example, if you are developing specific applications requiring a customized infrastructure.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

With PaaS, you benefit from a complete platform for developing, testing and deploying your applications, without having to manage the underlying infrastructure. The provider takes care of servers, storage, security and scalability.

It's a popular solution for development teams wishing to focus on code and innovation, while saving time on technical administration.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is certainly the best-known model: the provider hosts and manages the application, and you simply access it via a web browser. Updates, maintenance and security are handled by the service provider.

Emblematic examples include collaborative tools, CRMs and data storage platforms. For your employees, it's the guarantee of working with applications that are always up to date and accessible on the move.

Types of cloud deployment

In addition to service models, the cloud can be deployed in several ways:

Public cloud

In a public cloud, computing resources are pooled and shared between several customers. Providers such as AWS or Google Cloud host infrastructures in their data centers, and you access them via the Internet. This model is attractive for its flexibility and optimized costs.

Private cloud

The private cloud involves setting up a dedicated infrastructure for your business, either on your own premises or with a service provider. This approach offers greater control over security and cyber-compliance, while retaining the advantages of the cloud.

Hybrid cloud

The hybrid cloud combines public and private environments. You can, for example, store sensitive data on a private infrastructure and use a public cloud for less critical applications. It's a solution that reconciles security, flexibility and cost optimization.

Community cloud

Less widespread, the community cloud is shared by several organizations with common interests (business sector, regulatory requirements, etc.). It offers a compromise between mutualization and customization.

The benefits of Cloud Computing for your business

Cloud Computing represents a powerful lever for modernizing IT, gaining agility and optimizing performance. Discover the main benefits.

Scalability and flexibility

The cloud enables you to adapt your IT resources in real time to your needs: you can increase capacity during peak periods, then reduce it afterwards. There's no need to size your infrastructures to the maximum, and tie up capital unnecessarily. This is a major advantage for growing companies or those launching new services.

Cost reduction

The pay-as-you-go model limits initial investments. You only pay for what you use. No more buying expensive and often unused servers. What's more, maintenance and upgrades are included in the subscription, reducing the workload on your IT teams.

Accessibility and mobility

Cloud computing promotes collaborative working and mobility. Your employees can access applications and data securely, from any terminal. This is a strategic challenge in a context of telecommuting and geographically dispersed teams.

If you'd like to delve deeper into these topics, take a look at our detailed article on the benefits of Cloud Computing.

The challenges and limits of enterprise cloud computing

Like any technology, Cloud Computing also brings challenges that need to be anticipated.

Data security

Data protection remains a central concern. Although cloud providers are investing heavily in cybersecurity, you remain responsible for proper access, identity and configuration management. Vigilance is therefore essential.

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Supplier dependence

Switching your infrastructure to the cloud also means that you are dependent on the performance and continuity of your service provider. It's important to study contractual conditions and reversibility options carefully.

Compliance issues

Some companies have to meet strict regulatory obligations (RGPD, sector certifications). So remember to check the location of data and the level of compliance of the services used.

How do I choose a cloud service provider?

Choosing a cloud provider isn't just a question of cost. Here are the most important criteria to consider:

• Compatibility with your business needs: check that the supplier offers the necessary services (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS) and connectors adapted to your existing tools.
• Security and compliance: examine certifications, contractual guarantees and security measures in place.
• Scalability: ensure that the platform can support your growth without excessive cost.
• Technical support and guidance: choose a partner who offers responsive support and customized assistance services.
• Interoperability and data portability: key to avoiding technological lock-in.

At rzilient, we believe that a good supplier is also a partner who helps you orchestrate and automate cloud management. All thanks to customized workflows and real-time control.

Cloud computing applications in the enterprise

Cloud computing opens up a wide range of applications:

• Data storage and backup: outsource your data to secure infrastructures, with automated backups.
• Collaboration: facilitate document sharing, internal communication and the coordination of dispersed teams.
• Application development: create and deploy digital solutions faster thanks to PaaS and SaaS.
• Business intelligence and analytics: exploit your data on a grand scale thanks to advanced computing capabilities.
• IT security: strengthen the protection of your systems with monitoring and threat detection tools.

With an all-in-one platform like rzilient, these applications become easier to manage: you centralize control, automate processes and offer your teams outsourced IT support, wherever they are.

As you can see, Cloud Computing is no longer an option: it's an essential lever for gaining agility, securing your data and streamlining your IT. For businesses, it's a unique opportunity to modernize their operations while controlling costs and facilitating collaboration.

Would you like to find out more, or receive tailor-made support in integrating the cloud into your strategy? Contact us: at rzilient, we help you simplify IT management and get the most out of cloud computing.

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