Cloud computing can be used for a variety of applications, including file storage, app building, big data analytics, and on-demand software, among others. To get the most out of this tech, you must choose the services that best fit your business and that are the most well-equipped to help you achieve your goals.
Cloud computing consultants for hire on Guru can help you learn about your options and build an efficient cloud environment tailored to your business.
What Is Cloud Computing?
Simply put, cloud computing refers to the on-demand delivery of computing resources over the Internet (or “the cloud”). This includes access to servers, storage, networks, software, analytics, and artificial intelligence, which can greatly impact how fast and efficiently a business in the digital world can adapt, innovate, and scale.
In the past, companies would have to set up their own computing infrastructure and data centers, on top of hiring staff to manage these hardware and paying for their maintenance. With cloud computing, businesses can tap from the services of cloud providers, instead, which drastically lowers operational costs and prevents surplus. Cloud computing typically follows a pay-as-you-go pricing scheme; you can use and pay for only what you need when you need it.
Uses of Cloud Computing
Here are some of the common uses of cloud computing for businesses:
Data Storage, Backup, and Recovery
Many businesses (and individuals) use the cloud for storing, backing up, and recovering data. You can upload and save files to the Internet, and they can be accessed from any device that’s connected online.
This enables accessibility at a massive scale, which can help improve collaboration within your company and streamline operations. Because you’re not keeping anything on your own hardware, it’s much cheaper–especially because you usually only have to pay for the amount of storage you’re using.
Another great thing about cloud storage is that it enables easier and faster back-ups, and service providers often offer a recovery plan that ensures that your data will always be safeguarded from any unfortunate losses or compromises.
App Testing and Development
Cloud computing allows you to quickly draft, test, deploy, and scale apps, whether on the web, mobile, or API. Your development teams can quickly go through the creation process and easily set up production and testing environments, which make way for a cheaper and faster app, program, or software building.
Big Data Analytics
Companies deal with massive amounts of data every day, and it can be a great loss not being able to utilize this information to perform better or make smarter business decisions. Cloud computing can unify data across teams and locations, as it is built with the technology to extract relevant information and derive insights.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service, and Software-as-a-Service
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) are two types of cloud computing services that businesses can leverage to optimize their operations. With the former, you can get computer, network, and storage resources on demand; with the latter, you can access different platforms that can assist in key operational processes.
Software-as-a-Service is one of the most powerful uses of cloud computing. It lets you use software online via a subscription, instead of buying and installing multiple apps on hardware.
Security
Cloud computing is designed to deliver in securing the data and resources that you keep and access on the cloud. Service providers are always compliant with data privacy and protection laws, which not only benefits end-users but businesses that are responsible for their customers’ info, as well.
Leveraging Cloud Computing with Help from a Cloud Computing Consultant
With so many uses, cloud computing can get exhausting to navigate, and it can be intimidating to have to figure out what works best for your business and its needs. This is where a cloud computing consultant is helpful.
A cloud computing consultant is an expert in cloud computing services. They’re up-to-date with the latest offerings and can help business owners learn about the available tech. They can help build a cloud environment that makes sense for your company–one that’s tailored to deliver your desired results.
Cloud computing consultants offer a variety of services, including assessment, planning and advisory, development and deployment, migration, optimization and modernization, and data analysis.
How much do cloud computing consultants cost? On average, you can expect to pay $60 hourly for the expertise of an experienced cloud computing consultant, or you can find freelancers who charge as low as $20 per hour.
To make sure you find the right cloud computing consultant to meet your needs and budget, you must hire from a trusted platform like Guru, one of the top online freelance marketplaces in the world. Find and employ the best cloud computing consultant for your business on Guru today!
