Cloud computing is helping businesses around the world. Whenever a business chooses to embrace “the cloud”, it typically means that their data and IT infrastructure is taken offsite. This data is managed at a data center that is protected and maintained by a cloud service provider, like Oracle. In the following, we’ll go over the basics of cloud computing and the different types of services out there. We’ll also look at how Oracle is changing the cloud game.
Cloud Computing
The cloud provider, for example, Oracle, is responsible for managing the client’s IT infrastructure, applications, and functionality to keep pace with modern innovation. Clients receive many benefits from switching to cloud infrastructure. Cloud computing can offer more scale, versatility, and efficiency. Whereas before, companies would focus resources on legacy IT systems, they can now concentrate on tasks of strategic value. Cloud computing allows companies to only pay for access to the data they need. Unlike a legacy system, clients can pick and choose what they want access to.
There are three types of cloud computing services. There are private, public, and hybrid systems.
Public vs. Private
With a public cloud, the entire cloud infrastructure is located on the site of the cloud provider. The cloud provider then delivers specific services to the client via the internet.
A public cloud allows you to add as many users and computing power as necessary. This service is shared by multiple users. A private cloud is exclusive. This means that it is only used by one user. It can either be hosted at the client’s location or with the cloud provider. Private cloud services offer a much higher level of protection and network security.
Hybrid
A hybrid cloud combines the features of private and public clouds. Typically, clients host their most important applications on their own servers, while secondary applications are with the cloud provider.
Cloud Service Types
There are also different kinds of cloud service types. There are Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). These can all be mixed and matched within a single cloud architecture.
PaaS
PaaS gives clients the ability to access developer tools so that they can then build and manage their own web and mobile applications without maintaining its infrastructure. The cloud provider hosts the infrastructure and then the client can access these tools via the internet.
SaaS
In SaaS, the cloud provider hosts the client’s applications. The client then accesses these applications via a web browser. This type of subscription is done on a pay as you go basis.
IaaS
In IaaS, cloud providers host infrastructure services that can be accessed on an on-demand basis via the web. This allows clients to operate their workloads via the cloud.
Oracle’s Surge
Oracle is one of the leading cloud providers in the world. They already have a long list of clients that include some Fortune 500 companies. For example, Amazon runs its internal infrastructure on Oracle services. Additionally, Salesforce and SAP do as well.
Oracle is making a strong push to take some of Amazon’s cloud business. They made a vow to charge half of what other provider’s charge if the client chooses to make the switch to their services. They’re really aiming to take a chunk of Amazon’s $20 billion stake of the cloud industry.
Oracle also aims to continuously invest in the latest innovations of cloud technology. They promise to provide top-notch security at every layer, which goes beyond what other cloud service providers are capable of. They also excel at working with third-party implementers and cloud consultants.
Some may not that this aggressiveness may counteract short-term gains, it has benefited Oracle by establishing a loyal client base. Now, Oracle has its eyes on the healthcare industry. They are expected to make waves. We can’t wait to see what they do next!
