Cloud storage: how it works and what to consider when hiring

Technology is increasingly being implemented in businesses in order to optimize operations and processes. To ensure full online operation, the current bet for companies is to keep their applications with cloud storage .

With a market that demands security and accessibility, the cloud is a true ally when we think about keeping information protected and available at all times and in all places. In times of hybrid work and remote access (when traveling, for example), this flexibility is the key to keep everything working.

Cloud storage is already a reality, and its growth is only getting bigger. According to Gartner , by 2027, the expectation is that companies will use cloud platforms to accelerate more than 50% of their core business initiatives, which corresponded to less than 10% in 2021.

If you still have doubts about cloud storage, continue reading this text and learn more about it. Here we will explain what it is, how it works, the types and models and the advantages of betting on cloud computing in your company. Good reading!

How does cloud storage work?

In a simplified way, the cloud is the use of online storage , that is, available by connection. With it, the information and software that were previously saved on the company's own computers, with a local server, will now be in the cloud, through a provider of this service.

Thus, companies that decide to move from on-premise storage to the cloud need to migrate these resources , transporting what was saved in their own equipment to an external device, which, even being miles away, can be accessed from anywhere and at any time. moment .

Relying on cloud storage, companies reduce several costs , the main ones being with the machinery, after all, it no longer needs its own computer to house its information and applications.

Added to this, the availability of files and security against attacks and failures make cloud computing a great choice for the most competitive businesses.

In migration, companies transfer everything they need for their digital operations, from data to ERPs. With the cloud it is possible to store:

• documents;
• databases;
• applications;
• IT processes;
• software s;
• ERP, etc.

cloud types

Despite the definition of what it is and what makes the cloud simple, its practical application is a little more complex. This is because the tool has different ways of being implemented , which are known as cloud types.

With the evolution and popularization of cloud computing, the needs of companies have been changing, which means that there are more advantageous types depending on the specific case. Check out the three cloud below:

public cloud

Starting with the most common type, the public cloud is one in which the provider has a single common infrastructure for all customers using the service.

Despite the name, it is maintained by private companies that make the cloud storage space available through payment, that is, the public name refers to the server being shared, and not because it is a state or free service.

With the public cloud, the expense is lower , after all, the server is shared by several companies, and it is not up to one of them to maintain all its costs. This is the main advantage of this type, as it is not necessary to maintain its own infrastructure to take advantage of cloud computing.

Despite having a shared infrastructure, the public cloud has a separate “space” for each customer, which does not allow one to have access to the information of others because they are on the same server. Thus, there is no confusion of data between different companies or people, leaving each one to connect only with their own resources.

Security in public clouds does not lag behind the private one, since, as they need to rely on huge servers, their protocols need to be strengthened. Data encryption, user authentication and automatic backup are common measures in this type of cloud.

As the public cloud serves many people and companies, they are usually offered by large corporations, which need to maintain a high quality service to stay on top of this market. The main providers are AWS (from Amazon), Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure and Oracle .

Read also: IDC survey points to growth in demand and adoption of public cloud

private cloud 

In the private cloud, the cloud infrastructure is set up only for a contractor , who will be on a server that only he will have access to. In this type, the service is completely built for the client.

The biggest advantage of the private cloud is the possibility of customization , after all, as it is available to only one company, it is natural that its structure is shaped to meet the particular needs of that business.

However, the private cloud loses out when it comes to maintenance or scalability. Each change made to the system requires a good IT team, in addition to an increase in the server and equipment needed to incorporate the new demand.

Another disadvantage of the private cloud is the cost, which, due to its private configurations, makes the service more expensive . In addition to spending more to establish them, it is also more expensive to update, maintain and expand.

hybrid cloud

Bringing a mixture of public and private characteristics, the hybrid cloud is the option for those who want to take advantage of the best of each. In this type, the company can count on the advantages of the previous two in a single interface.

It is possible, for example, that the company uses a private server to store certain information and a public cloud to facilitate access to other data for its team. 

As part of the storage is on the public server, the cost becomes lower than in the private cloud . Just like the other types, the hybrid can be advantageous depending on your demands.

cloud service templates

As cloud storage is increasingly present in companies, in addition to different types, there are also different service models. These models concern what is available in the cloud.

As businesses need to bring new resources to the cloud, new models are emerging to meet these demands. Initially, the division was basically three – IaaS, PaaS and SaaS – but this has grown over time. Here are just a few that deserve mention:

1. IaaS

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud model that provides the customer with the storage of an entire IT infrastructure . Here, the company can count on servers, storage, physical space and network .

IaaS is the basis of cloud service models, which leaves the contractor responsible for the operating systems, the database and the apps used. With the resources that are already offered here, the company has access to a self-service platform , in which it will be able to develop its own applications and platforms , in addition to managing the resources it already has.

As in IaaS customers must be responsible for most of their IT elements, it ends up becoming the most flexible, with greater configuration and customization than other services. With what is offered here, the company is able to work with more robust computing, with flexibility, scalability and a more competitive cost.

2. PaaS

Platform as a service (PaaS) is a cloud model that provides a development environment , allowing contractors to create their own applications. Here, you will have features that allow you to create, store and manage your software s .

PaaS offers infrastructure, servers, tools, libraries and databases to the contractor, who is only responsible for his applications and data. Thus, the company can save money and time in managing the environments, with a more simplified migration process.

As you can see, this is the ideal model for companies working with application development, or at least creating their own. Creators benefit from the flexibility and scalability of the cloud and easier management for testing and deploying their software .

Also Read: iPaaS and the Babylon of Modern software

3. SaaS

Software as a Service (SaaS) is the delivery of an application as a service , with the provider being responsible for the entire structure behind its operation. The company that hires it is only responsible for using it , and even the maintenance and updates are the responsibility of the supplier.

SaaS allows companies to have an application available on the internet, which spending expensive hardware and software . E-mail services such as Gmail and even business management systems (ERP) such as SAP Business One can be made available in this model.

For those who want to have a minimum of work with IT and resource management, SaaS is ideal. With a huge abstraction for the user, this is the most used cloud model .

4. FaaS

Function as a Service (FaaS) is yet another storage modality, making it possible to create new functions for applications in the cloud. Developers use this form to outsource management of storage, databases, API gateways, messaging, and other infrastructure to the vendor, which is a type of serverless computing .

FaaS is a back-end service where developers can run pieces of code at the edge and in real-time and can be executed in response to an event. A great example of FaaS is Alexa skills, which can be built by the user and are implemented through AWS Lambda.

5. DaaS

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) can be understood as a virtual machine in the cloud , giving free use to the user. With the 'd' in the acronym also known as device, it's like a computer being made available online.

After social isolation, which brought the home office as a latent reality at work, DaaS got stronger. This is the model for companies that have employees working from home, using their own equipment, but with all the business resources.

6. CaaS

Container as a Service (CaaS) is another type of cloud service in which companies can store in blocks . With these containers, companies can work with more organization and speed .

By keeping its resources in different blocks, the company gains the possibility to make modifications without affecting the upper layer of virtualization . Errors are identified and corrected within its container, without disrupting the rest of the service.

7. XaaS 

Finally, we have Everything as a Service (XaaS), which brings the idea that everything can be used as a service in the cloud . It's no wonder that its acronym is made up of an 'x', which is an unknown value or can be replaced by more than one alternative.

XaaS has been following the evolution of cloud computing, which every day begins to include new resources available in the cloud. As we are faced with the possibility of virtually “anything”, all previous models could enter here, replacing the 'x' with your specific service.

With so much cloud storage possibilities, XaaS is a true testament to digital transformation. In addition to the possibilities already presented, it could refer to:

• Network as a Service (NaaS)
• Communication as a Service (also CaaS)
• Monitoring as a Service (MaaS)
• Testing as a Service (TaaS)
• Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS)

Listen to our podcast, Sky.Cast, and discover the main myths and truths about cloud computing. Come find out more!

Sky.Cast #6: Myths and Truths about Cloud Computing

Why migrate to the cloud?

Migration to the cloud has been growing a lot, both for small and medium as well as large companies. And that's no surprise, after all, this feature has been bringing many benefits so that businesses can remain competitive.

This modernization of your business resources with cloud storage brings several advantages. Next, we'll cover four that are worth keeping an eye on. See what they are:

Scalability

By relying on on-premise applications, that is, that are saved on your own equipment, you will have limited space to use its resources. In cloud storage this limitation also exists, but it can be overcome much more easily .

While local storage requires more hardware whenever your operations grow, the cloud relies on scalability. This characteristic means that the size of the cloud can always be modified , simply contracting with the supplier the amount needed for the moment.

This possibility of changing how much you can use the cloud is extremely useful for companies, since demands can increase or decrease over time. That way, you can use – and pay for using – exactly the resource you need.

Accessibility or high availability

By having resources that are available online, you can access them from anywhere. Also different from how it was on-premise, with applications that could only be used on the company's own computers, with the cloud your employees can work on any device .

This availability is a real weapon for companies today, even more so after going through the coronavirus and the social isolation necessary at that time. In the midst of such a difficult period, we managed to learn the importance of the home office , which has become a real alternative to the way we work in Brazil and in the world.

Cloud computing is synonymous with accessibility, and this ability to make its resources available to everyone is one of its premises. With cloud storage, your team can work flexibly, wherever and whenever they want , all they need is a device connected to the internet.

Also read: 7 benefits of migrating your company's data to the cloud

Cost benefit

As we have already addressed during the text a few times, using the cloud has a more advantageous cost-benefit ratio. First, it is important to point out that in the cloud you do not need to pay for some resources, such as hardware, new equipment, program licenses .

System updates and maintenance are also not a problem, after all, they are the responsibility of the supplier itself , which must guarantee the quality of its platform. This way, you don't have to spend a fortune on an IT team, as the cloud infrastructure is not your responsibility.

In addition, it is worth remembering that spending on the cloud has a high predictability . You won't have to spend on any problems, which are the provider's responsibility, while you'll pay for the exact “space” you need for storage.

cybersecurity

One of the main concerns of those thinking about cloud storage is its security. As data and applications are available online, people have a misconception that they are unprotected.

Although there really is no protection with 100% security, whether in the cloud or on-premise, cloud computing has advanced measures to put your mind at ease.

To protect your data, the cloud relies on encryption . With it, even if an intruder has access to the information, there is no way to read it, as it is encoded.

Firewall protection barriers are another protection measure, which makes breaking into the cloud a difficult task. Added to this is user authentication , which filters who can access each cloud resource.

In case any information is lost, the cloud has automatic backup . Thus, even if a problem occurs, your operation does not need to be paralyzed.

Finally, it is worth remembering that you have 24×7 monitoring and management of cybersecurity and privacy by cloud experts. This is the certainty that due care is being taken and that if something happens it will be resolved as soon as possible.

How to migrate applications to the cloud?

When migrating to the cloud, the company can choose to send all files from a system or transfer some resources to the cloud and keep others locally. Regardless of the choice, it must be done in an orderly manner, weighing risks, budget and security .

As much as the cloud is a way to improve the company's activities, if the migration is not done carefully, the chance of going wrong is great . A process of this size and importance deserves special care.

So you don't have to worry too much and you can have a good result, nothing better than relying on a company specializing in the cloud . Bet on the professionalism of those who are already in this market and who carry out this process with the security you need.

Auto.Sky : Complete platform for the use of ERPs and Cloud applications

To have that specialized help in the cloud, which guarantees a quick migration and management of your applications in the cloud, you can count on Auto.Sky .

Our team is responsible for ensuring you get the most out of the feature, which can save you up to 70% on IT costs . With the service to carry out your cloud storage you will have:

• flexibility and availability to access your resources, anywhere and at any time;
• scalability to maintain a cloud tailored to your momentary demands;
• maximized cost-effectiveness , with savings in equipment, software and IT staff;
• cybersecurity that reduces the risk of hacker attacks by bringing encryption, user authentication, firewall and security backups;
• specialized team to prevent and correct failures, taking care of support, maintenance and updating;
• expense predictability , paying exactly for what you use;
• Multi Cloud with the best cloud options on the market, such as AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure and Oracle.

Auto.Sky has a complete service when it comes to the cloud. Its solutions include:

• Auto Sky Platform : migrates on-premise applications and data to the cloud, with fast and transparent scalability and pay-per-user.
• Auto Sky Services : solution to optimize the costs of those businesses that are already in the cloud, with support and management of environments and migration of workloads.
• Auto Sky Business One : performs the migration of SAP Business One to the cloud, with added Addons.

Now that you've seen how cloud storage works and its many advantages, how about migrating your SAP B1 to the Cloud with Auto.Sky ?