Introduction
Cloud Computing is already part of the daily life of those who want to keep the business competitive - and this is not just a speech.
Gartner points out that over 70% of corporate workloads are already in the cloud . It is this movement that transforms what was once just a IT solution into a strategic base to grow more agile, scalable and safe .
Even so, for many managers, the concept of cloud computing is still abstract. It is common to hear questions such as: “Which model makes the most sense to my business?” Or "Is it worth migrating everything?" And no wonder: choosing well when, how and what to take to the cloud makes all the difference in costs , scalability and even the autonomy of the company
In this mini guide , we gather everything managers need to understand what cloud computing , knowing their main models, real benefits and challenges that deserve attention. After all, more than a trend, the cloud is a decision that shapes the future of any modern operation.
Enjoy the read!
Uncomplicating Cloud Computing : what is and how it works in practice
Although it seems like a recent concept, Cloud Computing began to take shape in the 1990s, when providers began to offer remote access to servers and storage via the internet . What was a solution for large technology companies evolved fast : in the 2000s, with the advancement of broadband and virtualization, providers like Amazon , Google and Microsoft popularized the model of selling infrastructure as a service , giving rise to the cloud market as we know today.
Today, cloud computing is the engine behind operations that need agility, scale and lower fixed cost. Instead of buying, installing and maintaining heavy physical servers and software software companies hire storage, processing and on -demand applications, paying only for what they use .
This format not only releases infrastructure budget but also ensures flexibility to keep up with demands of demand, run projects in less time and keep everything up to date without major internal interventions. But for everything to work reliably and predictably, some principles support this logic, as we will see below.
Essential cloud pillars
Cloud computing pillars explain, in practice, why the cloud makes sense to operations that need flexibility and cost control without giving up safety. Each pillar connects to a direct benefit that impacts the daily life of IT, finance and management teams:
- Self -service on demand : teams are not hostage to long internal processes to hire or expand resources. If the business needs more capacity today, this feature will be available in minutes, accelerating projects and reducing bottlenecks;
- Measurement ( Pay-As-You-GO ) : Everything that is consumed in the cloud is recorded and monitored. This means that no one pays for idle capacity. And this is a cash point for those who want budgetary predictability without surprises in the invoice;
- Scalability and elasticity : The cloud grows (or shrinks) along with the pace of the operation. If a peak sales requires double processing, you climb in real time, and return to normal when demand drops without waste;
- Resource grouping and sharing : Infrastructure is intelligently shared between different customers, without giving up insulation and safety. Thus, even using the same technology base, each company ensures performance, availability and lower costs, taking advantage of the economy of scale.
With these well -structured pillars, it is clearer why Cloud Computing adapts so well to business that they need to balance delivery speed, cost governance and data security, topics that become even more relevant when we look at the cloud models available on the market.
Cloud Computing Models : Which suits your business?
Choosing to adopt cloud computing does not mean using the cloud in a generic way . For technology to make sense in everyday life, it is important to understand which models exist, how they complement each other and which makes the most sense for each type of operation.
In practice, every cloud decision goes through two main choices : what to hire (infrastructure, platform or software ) and where to host (in a public, private or hybrid environment). Each has direct implications for cost, control, safety and flexibility of expansion.
Next, we detail these two dimensions clearly to help plan a journey more aligned with the reality of your company.
Layers of service
The service layers define how far your team wants (or needs) to have control . There is no right or unique answer. Mature companies mix these layers to balance flexibility, safety and delivery speed:
- m Configure specific systems, migrate workloads or have freedom to customize the environment. In short, IAAS is useful when the priority is to have a flexible basis, but still maintain technical governance indoors;
- PAAS - Platform as a service : here, the company does not want to waste time with infrastructure. The focus is to accelerate application development. The provider delivers the entire base (operating system, servers, database), ready for teams to create, test and laps software s . Thus, PAAS ( Platforms A Service ) makes sense to digital business that need to gain innovation speed without moving the technical team with support tasks;
- SaaS - software As a service : No SaaS ( Software as a service ), there is no effort with installation or update. The customer accesses the software Over the internet , such as a ready service: CRM, ERP, email -all running with predictable and scalable fixed cost per user. That is: SaaS is the simplest way when the goal is fast productivity, with minimal technical management.
Forms of implementation
After defining what to hire, the question comes: Where does all this run? Here, the criterion is to balance safety, cost and control level:
- Public Cloud : Resources are shared among several companies, with data insulation guaranteed by the provider. It is the most economical and elastic gateway, ideal for workloads , new projects or growing companies that seek fast scale. The public cloud is great for projects that require scalability, but less critical for sensitive data;
- Private Cloud : The structure is dedicated to a single organization. It gives more personalization and security, but with higher costs. Widely used in regulated sectors (health, financial, government) that cannot risk compliance . The private cloud makes sense when security and governance are non -negotiable;
- Hybrid cloud : mixes public and private. It is the most common format today: it allows you to maintain critical systems in a private environment and use public cloud for seasonal demands, tests or rapid expansion. The hybrid cloud is for those who need flexibility without giving up strategic applications control.
Understanding these combinations is what ensures that cloud computing is a growth ally, not just an extra fixed cost . And this is what we will see below, by detailing the benefits and challenges of those who decide to migrate!
Strategic Benefits: Why migrate to the cloud
Adopting cloud computing is much more than exchanging physical servers for remote storage. It is first and foremost a way to make technology a growth engine , prepared to keep up with market speed. According to Gartner , by 2027, more than 50% of global companies will have the cloud of their critical operations in the cloud .
This movement comes from the fact that the cloud helps business to allocate resources intelligently, reduce unnecessary expenses and demand
changes See, in practice, what gains justify this step, and why it makes sense to companies of different sizes:
- Real economy and efficient budget use : McKinsey studies indicate that companies can reduce up to 30% of direct IT costs with cloud adoption. This is because the charge is made according to consumption, without waste with stopped capacity or underused assets;
- Tailored capacity for each phase of the business : With the cloud, it is possible to expand or reduce resources almost instantly without having to anticipate heavy investments. This protects the company from unexpected spending over peak periods, but also avoids high fixed costs when demand decreases;
- Lightweight Operation for IT Teams : Much of the responsibility for updates and maintenance becomes the provider, releasing the internal team to focus on strategic projects and continuous improvements, rather than spending energy erasing infrastructure fires;
- Guaranteed reliability and continuity : The main cloud providers operate with availability standards of over 99.9% , according to AWS data . In addition, backup , redundancy and disaster recovery are simpler to implement, reducing critical stop risks or data loss.
In other words, the cloud transforms the way business uses technology to evolve . However, reaping these benefits requires attention to risks that need to be managed from the start. This is what we will see then!
Challenges and critical points in corporate adoption
The cloud offers flexibility and efficiency gain, but migrating without a strategic look can turn an advantage into waste or open breaches where there was no risk before. Many companies begin with the promise of reducing costs and gaining agility, but realize in practice that without planning , the cloud can expose data, increase spending and even cast operations that should be freer.
Next, we highlight the main points of attention to make the cloud journey safer, controlled and aligned with business goals:
- Security and Privacy : It is not enough to rely on the provider, after all, migrating data outside the data center does not delete responsibility. Poorly made configurations, fragile passwords or unconnected permissions are still the cause of 8 out of 10 data violations, according to IBM. Thus, the basics well done (encryption, backups , access monitoring) is still valid and being indispensable;
- Regulations and standards that cannot be left out : for those dealing with sensitive data (sectors such as health, legal, financial), being in accordance is not optional. Poorly configured cloud can contradict LGPD (General Law on Personal Data Protection) or sector -specific standards. Here, every detail tells: where the data is, who audits, how it is encrypted;
- Invisible dependence on suppliers : The cloud promises freedom, but without well thought out architecture, the company may get stuck to the same provider for years, even when the contract ceases to make sense. Review clauses, plan multi-cloud and understand output costs before entering avoid headaches;
- Cost on demand is not synonymous with predictable cost : according to Flexera , 32% of the cloud budget is wasted for lack of governance . When no one follows consumption, extra resources become extra and silent account. Therefore, periodic review, monitoring and automatic shutdown policies are mandatory allies.
In the end, migrating to the cloud is not pushing a button : it is a decision that requires clarity, governance and a structure that follows growth, without turning a gray zone of costs and risks.
The good side? The market today offers a robust ecosystem of players , each with strengths that can (or not) make sense to the reality of each operation. Keep following!
Cloud Computing Ecosystem : Who are the main players ?
Choosing a cloud provider is not just deciding who is bigger or who has more services. In practice, each player has billing models, specializations and support forms that can accelerate or lock the actual use of the cloud within each operation.
Understanding where each supplier fits helps to avoid budget surprises, hard -to -break facilities, or solutions that don't talk about each other well. This is why multi-cloud strategies and hybrid environments have become so common as they balance the best of each technology.
Next, we bring a direct overview of the main names in the market and where they usually deliver more value:
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) : This is a reference for operations that depend strongly on robust databases and integrated corporate applications. OCI focuses on performance, reliability and flexibility for workloads , being widely adopted in ERP system modernization projects and large -scale databases;
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) : Global public cloud leader, AWS offers massive scale, worldwide presence and an extensive portfolio of services, basic infrastructure to artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics . It is widely used by companies that need to climb quickly and freely to test new projects, but requires attention to management costs, as the variety of resources is huge;
- Microsoft Azure : stands out among companies that already use Microsoft ( Windows , Office 365 , Active Directory ). It is strong in hybrid environments, integrating legacy systems with cloud services, which facilitates gradual migration. It is a common choice for those who want to continue evolving the technology park without starting from scratch;
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Big Data , Analytics and IA tools startups and data squads It also usually offers competitive price models for workloads , being a practical option for teams that need to explore data on a large scale;
- IBM Cloud : Combines public, private and hybrid cloud, with a strong presence in regulated sectors such as finance and health. It has a solid history in safety, compliance and integration of complex environments, which makes a difference for companies that maintain critical legally infrastructures, but want to modernize part of the operation.
In the end, there is no certain answer, but the most consistent combination with what the company needs today and wherever it wants to go tomorrow . It is common for mature operations to mix providers to gain agility without giving up control and governance.
Now, how about we see how this works in practice, with examples of sectors that already reap real cloud results?
Practical applications: How different sectors use the cloud
Migrating to the cloud only makes sense when it becomes a real result . Large sectors have already proven this, with gains that will serve millions of online to keep sensitive data under control, with agility.
See four real examples that show how the cloud translates into practical efficiency:
- Industry: Engineering and Data Analysis in High Performance
Embraer implemented the IKON system at AWS to manage predictive maintenance on its E -Jet jet . The result? A 96% gain in productivity in aircraft data analysis, using Big Data in cloud to make decisions faster and more accurate in technical support. This case Shows how the cloud can transform complex engineering processes and reduce IT infrastructure costs;
- Education: Flexibility for peaks and expansion
Unicamp has expanded its internal cloud, Ybytinga , bending processing capacity to support research, remote classes and academic management. The gain is not only in running systems, but in absorbing access spikes without overthrowing everything, something essential in entrance exams, enrollment and critical dates;
- Health: Sensitive data with traceability
A KPMG report shows that 45% of Brazilian private hospitals already use cloud to integrate medical records, make telemedicine viable and ensure data tracking. The cloud here does not replace the physical structure: it complements and ensures that confidential information will be accessed safely, where the patient is;
- Government: high impact digitization
The Gov.br platform went from 150 million Brazilians registered in 2023, running more than 4,200 public cloud services. The result is clear: fewer face -to -face queues, more online and availability 24/7.
These examples reinforce that cloud computing is not ready -made recipe, but a base that needs to be designed to actually work on a daily basis. In the next topic, we show how Skyone transforms this strategy into practice, with real management, safety and efficiency!
From Strategy to Practice: How Skyone supports her cloud computing
Every company that adopts the cloud finds that the difference between promising economy and really capturing efficiency is how to orchestrate all this in a sustainable way . This is where Skyone operates.
We support organizations of different sizes to plan, implement and manage cloud environments. We have done all this by combining technology, processes and governance so that cloud computing is, in fact, a predictable growth engine, not just a face infrastructure.
What do we do in practice?
- Custom Architecture : We help define the most consistent strategy with the maturity stage of each operation, whether 100% in public, private or hybrid cloud;
- SAFE MIGRATION AND WITHOUT IMPROVISES : We guarantee that critical workloads downtime and hidden costs;
- Continuous Management and Optimization : We monitor, analyze and adjust the environment to avoid waste, excess idle resources and bottlenecks that can wrap growth;
- Compliance and Safety in Practice : We help create access policies, data traceability and recovery plans, aligned with regulatory requirements such as LGPD and good industry practices.
In other words: our mission is to make the cloud not just a variable expense , but a pillar of scale, flexibility and financial control, all anchored in a IT strategy that talks to each business.
Want to understand how this applies to your context? Talk to one of our experts. We are ready to help turn plans into results!
Conclusion
If there is something that Cloud Computing teaches in practice is that growing up not only depends on having more resources , but on using each feature the right way, at the right time, paying only for what makes sense.
When well implemented, the cloud takes weight off the infrastructure, makes room for innovation and gives breath so that IT and management teams will focus on what the company really makes.
But as we have seen, the cloud doesn't solve everything alone. It is necessary to combine factors such as the right model, just right, connected to solid governance - together, they make a difference in costs, safety and freedom to evolve, without locks.
Did you like this text and want to keep understanding how to use technology to unlock processes, explore integrations and keep everything running efficiently? Explore other content from Skyone's blog Here you will find insights and more relevant information about cloud, data, security and management.
cloud computing questions
Whether to take the first steps or to review decisions already made, some questions about cloud computing appear in almost every strategic conversation. Understanding what it is, how it works and who are the main players helps to avoid surprises, and makes it clear where to start (or correct route) more safely.
Next, we gathered the answers to the most common questions to help organize ideas before taking any step on the cloud.
What are the types of cloud computing ?
Cloud computing is divided into two main dimensions.
First, by the forms of implementation:
- Public cloud : shared infrastructure between various customers, managed by providers like AWS or Azure ;
- Private cloud : infrastructure dedicated to a single organization, with more control and customization;
- Hybrid cloud : Combination of public and private, balancing flexibility and safety.
Second, by the layers of service:
- IAAs ( infrastructure as a service ) : provides infrastructure on demand (servers, network, storage);
- PAAS ( Platform a Service ) : delivers a ready -made platform to develop and run applications;
- SaaS ( Software A Service ) : Provides made software via the internet , such as CRMS, ERPs and emails .
How does cloud computing in practice?
In practice, cloud computing works as a service on demand: instead of buying and maintaining its own servers, the company hires computer funds over the internet , paying only for what it uses. This allows you to climb real -time technical capacity, access systems from anywhere and release internal teams of heavy maintenance tasks, focusing on innovation and business management.
cloud platforms ?
The most commonly used cloud providers today are:
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) : Highlight for those who depend on robust corporate databases and integrated applications;
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) : global scale leader, variety of services and worldwide presence;
- Microsoft Azure : Strong for companies that already operate with Microsoft , uniting public cloud and integration with hybrid environments;
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP) : data reference, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI);
- IBM Cloud : Combines public, private and hybrid solutions, widely used in regulated sectors that require a high level of compliance.
workload profile , security needs, compliance and expansion strategy.