Applications of Cloud Computing: Real-World Examples

Summary: Cloud computing has a wide range of applications that cater to various business needs. It enables efficient data storage and backup, facilitates web and mobile app development, powers machine learning and artificial intelligence, delivers content to users worldwide, and supports enterprise-level systems like ERP. 

Introduction

With technological revolution at its peak, cloud technology has become one of the most rapid adoptions in the world amongst the largest brands. Cloud technologies have enabled some of the most innovative products and tools to develop in recent times.

However, not many of you are aware about Cloud Computing and its benefits or the various fields where it is applicable. The following blog will allow you to expand your knowledge on the field along with learning about applications of Cloud Computing along with some real-life use cases.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is the delivery of the computing services on-demand through the internet based on the need. It enables businesses to rent access to computing services like servers, storage, databases, analytics, and intelligence, typically over the internet. 

Companies tend to avoid setting up or owning centres of data and computing infrastructure by renting resources from cloud service providers.

It helps companies in reducing cost of developing and installing software for improving business operations. Therefore, Cloud Computing is crucial for businesses as it reduces operational costs, runs infrastructure efficiently and scales based on required changes in business.

Read More: Cloud Computing vs Edge Computing

Benefits of Cloud Computing

There are several benefits of Cloud Computing which allows businesses to incorporate them within their organisations with much enthusiasm. Following are the top benefits of Cloud Computing:

Lowering Cost

Computing infrastructure costs a lot in terms of its establishment and running it in-house. Additionally, it is also expensive to purchase and maintain equipment as well as hiring trained IT experts. With Cloud Computing, all of these costs are lowered and businesses only need to pay for the services they actually procure.

Mobility

One of the most crucial benefits of Cloud Computing is that it offers mobility to the users by ensuring that you can access resources in real-time in the cloud from any location or device.

Scalability

With the help of Cloud Computing, businesses can scale up or down their features of Information Technology based on their needs.

Disaster Recovery

In the case of Cloud Computing businesses do not need to worry about data backup plan or data recovery. With cloud there is no risk of permanent data loss even in case of any disaster.

Data Security

Today, when data security has become the need of the hour, cloud computing has emerged as a saviour. The technology offers advanced Data Security features therefore, guaranteeing Data Safety.

Automatic Software Updates

The software vendors regularly maintain and manage the software and security updates on behalf of the users.

Better Collaboration

Within an organisation, it is possible to use Cloud Computing and share real-time data and information. It efficiently improves collaboration at the workplace and enhances team performances.

Applications of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is the most effective technological development that has gained immense popularity while having numerous benefits in the real world. There are certain applications of Cloud Computing in the real-world that you need to learn about and has been explained below:

Art Applications

Cloud Computing is enabled by businesses for art applications like designing attractive books, cards and creative images. The technology helps in making instant creative designs that are used to create and print mini cards. It can be easily configured or installed within desktops or personal computers of designers.

Cloud Computing applications examples on art applications may include Vistaprint and Adobe Creative Cloud that help designers in editing existing designs.  

File Storage Platform

The online File Storage Platform using Cloud Computing allows end-users to host files, documents and videos on cloud. The application provides the users with a simple interface and use, view and upload documents from the local computers to these sites. These services can be both free and paid while premium services are accessed with monthly or annual subscription.

Example of Cloud Computing as a file storage platform comprises MediaFire, Hot Dile and RapidShare.

Image Editing Applications

Cloud services enable end-users to use free editing services for pictures and offer services like image resizing, editing, cropping and special effects under one common user interface. The technology also offers contrast and brightness editable applications and delivers high level, complex features for subscription fees.

Example Cloud Computing in Image Editing Applications include Fotor and Adobe creative cloud.

Data Storage Applications

Cloud Computing technology offers you with Data Storage applications that enable end-users in storing information in the cloud.  It can either be a public or private cloud. You can store data, files, images, etc on these clouds allowing sharing and collaboration. These stored data are safe and backed up instantly. 

Examples of Cloud Computing in Data Storage Application include DropBox, OneDrive, Box, Mozy and Google Suites.

Antivirus Applications

Cloud technology also provides you with antivirus and support services that will help in boosting the functioning of the system smoothly. Cloud Antivirus software helps end-users in cleaning the system at regular periodic intervals. 

It allows you to detect and fix threats caused by malware or some form of viruses. These features present in cloud services benefit the end users like offering free of cost and detecting threats and sending reports to the Data Centre.

Examples of Cloud Computing applications for antivirus include Kaspersky endpoint protection and Sophos endpoint protection.

Entertainment Applications

Cloud Technology providers ensure that it facilitates interaction of different entertainment applications with targeted audiences. It also includes online gaming services and entertainment services.

Cloud Computing applications examples for entertainment applications include Google Stadia which is a video gaming service providing 4K resolution within 60 frames. Project Atlas is also an example of a Cloud Computing entertainment app.

Social Media Application

There are several cloud -based social media apps that allow you to connect on a real-time basis and provide interface for collaboration. These social media applications allow millions of end-users to connect simultaneously across the globe.  

Examples of Cloud Computing for social media applications include Facebook, Yammer, twitter and LinkedIn.  

Uses of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has revolutionised how businesses operate by providing scalable resources and services over the internet. From data storage and backup solutions to software development and deployment, cloud computing enhances collaboration, reduces costs, and enables remote access, empowering organisations to innovate and adapt in an increasingly digital world.

IaaS and PaaS

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) helps in delivering fundamental compute, network and storage resources to the consumers on-demand. It is done over the internet and on a pay-as-you-go basis. By using cloud infrastructure on a pay-per-use scheme, it enables companies to save costs in acquiring, managing and maintaining IT infrastructure.

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) ensures it provides customers with a complete cloud platform including hardware, software and infrastructure for developing and managing applications. It can be enabled without cost, complexity and inflexibility in building and maintaining the platform on-premises.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

SaaS offers you with software access online through subscription rather than IT teams thereby having to buy and install it on individual systems. SaaS providers include Salesforce that enable software access anywhere, anytime, as long as internet connection prevails. 

These tools help in providing open access to more advanced tools and capabilities like automation and optimised workflows.

Hybrid Cloud and Multi-cloud

Hybrid Cloud refers to the Cloud Computing services that integrate on-premises private cloud with third-party public cloud services for running critical applications and workloads. It makes it easier for selecting the optimal cloud for each application then moving them between the two different clouds based on circumstances.

Multi-cloud refers to the Cloud Computing service which includes a mix of IaaS, PaaS or SaaS resources where different workloads are run in different clouds to meet unique needs. It allows organisations to make use of two or more clouds from different providers.

Testing and Development

With Cloud Computing services, it is possible to undertake real-time testing and development of IT-enabled resources. It ensures that with Cloud Computing, it enables resources which are ready for delivering services.

Big Data Analytics

Cloud Computing offers solutions by churning and managing Big Data. Accordingly, with the help of Cloud Computing services, it is possible to drive analysis of big data efficiently. Consequently, it allows organisations to make faster decisions and focus on insights shared from cloud services.

Conclusion

Therefore, Cloud Computing offers you with an array of services that avoids the need for physical storage for organisations. Accordingly, in the current technologically expanding work, physical storage is being replaced by cloud. Furthermore, it installation with secure internet connection allows daily use. Cloud Computing platform enables on-demand services with highly productive use of the resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Main Benefits of Using Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing offers several key benefits, including cost savings through reduced infrastructure and maintenance costs, scalability to accommodate fluctuating resource demands, increased flexibility for remote work and collaboration, and enhanced data security through robust backup and disaster recovery measures.

What Are Some Common Use Cases for Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing has a wide range of applications, including data storage and backup, web and mobile app development, machine learning and artificial intelligence, content delivery networks, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. It enables businesses to focus on their core competencies while leveraging the cloud provider’s expertise and infrastructure.

How Secure is Data Stored in The Cloud?

Cloud providers invest heavily in security measures to protect data stored in their infrastructure. This includes encryption, access controls, regular backups, and compliance with industry standards and regulations. However, it’s crucial for organisations to also implement their own security protocols and regularly review their cloud security practices.