All of the Basics You Need to Know About the Cloud

The cloud has the potential to revolutionize a company’s operations in countless ways. Let's explore the cloud and how it can support your operational goals and needs.

What Exactly Is the Cloud?

At its core, the cloud is simply another computer or infrastructure that you access via the Internet. While setting up and maintaining computing infrastructure can be costly, it’s essential for modern business operations. This is where the cloud becomes invaluable.

When we talk about the cloud, we’re referring to an external infrastructure that provides more functionality you wouldn’t have otherwise. There are three main types of cloud services a business might use:

• Private cloud - Owned and managed by the business or organization using it, a private cloud is ideal for predictable workloads. It’s often considered more secure, but this depends on the company’s commitment to security.
• Public cloud - This cloud infrastructure is owned and managed by an external provider. Businesses can rent computing resources, making it a good choice for resource-intensive or variable workloads. However, it can be challenging to determine who is responsible for securing different aspects.
• Hybrid cloud - Combining private and public cloud resources, a hybrid cloud offers both privacy and scalability. It’s considered the best of both worlds, as it allows for high security on the private side while leveraging administrative controls to protect the public side.

Your cloud solution should align with your specific needs. We’re here to provide an honest assessment of what would work best for your business based on your goals.

How Can Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Utilize the Cloud?

For most businesses, cloud services will be delivered through one of three models: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) - SaaS is probably the cloud model you’re most familiar with. It includes cloud-based versions of common software, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. SaaS apps let teams use tools they know without maintenance worries, and they can grow easily as your team expands.
• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) - IaaS is likely what comes to mind when you think of the cloud. It provides access to network resources like computing power and storage space. Basically, you use the provider's hardware to run your own systems and applications. The provider makes sure the hardware works well.
• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) - PaaS is particularly useful for businesses with developers on their teams. It lets the provider handle the hardware and software while you add your own apps and give the system the data it needs.

Ready to Explore Your Cloud Options?

Whatever your needs, there’s likely a cloud solution that fits. If you’d like to learn more about these options or explore how the cloud can benefit your business, our team at Washington Works is here to help. Get started by calling us at 301-571-5040.