Cloud computing has been around for some time now and many businesses have already started implementing it and are reaping the benefits of reduced costs and improved operational efficiencies. A research by International Data Group states that 69% businesses have deployed cloud services and 18% businesses are making a plan to include cloud services in their infrastructure.

There are many prominent vendors in the market who have gained the trust of renowned companies when it comes to deploying cloud services. It is advisable for businesses to gather substantial amount of knowledge regarding cloud computing to utilise the services of these providers to the fullest.

First of all, let’s get a deep understanding of the types of cloud services. Cloud services are broadly categorised into four types namely Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), serverless and Software as a Service (SaaS).

• IaaS: This model is one of the most used and is deployed on a “pay as per usage” basis. The major reason for its increased usage amongst business is its operability over the internet, minimal complexities and less set up time. In this model, businesses don’t have to invest in the purchase and management of physical servers and data center infrastructure.

Every required component is offered separately as a result of which enterprises can very conveniently use the services they need. The service provider is responsible for managing the entire infrastructure and configuration of the purchased systems, middleware and applications.

Azure cloud services is one of the most popular and used cloud computing software in this category. Microsoft Azure is used by businesses for testing and developing applications, hosting websites, big data analysis and much more.

• PaaS: This model is engineered for businesses to complete the entire website application cycle from the same service. The model contains services for native as well as the sophisticated applications. The model is the similar to IaaS in terms of payment, but includes different components such as middleware, development tools, business intelligence services, database management systems and a lot more.

In this service, providers offer businesses the flexibility of developing and customising cloud based applications, analyse the available huge chunk of data, identify patterns, predict outcomes, take product designing decisions and more. Some PaaS providers also offer services to enhance the security and scheduling of complex business processes.

• SaaS: In this model, businesses can connect over the internet and use cloud based applications. Businesses rent an app and the employees start using the same over the internet. A classic example of the SaaS is Microsoft Outlook or other email clients. Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and document management are some other examples of SaaS model.

The entire supporting infrastructure, middleware, app software and the data stored is managed by the service provider. Businesses need to sign an agreement while investing in a SaaS model. The hardware, software and the surrounding security concerns are managed by the service provider.

• Serverless: This method somehow overlaps with the PaaS model. The name serverless is given because the server management, operating logics and capacity planning decisions are entirely hidden from the operator. In this model, businesses enjoy the flexibility of building applications without having to worry about the management of servers.

The pricing of the scalable model is calculated on the basis of consumed quantity of resources rather than the pre-purchased unit.

Business Applications of Cloud Services

Whether it is small, medium or large enterprises, businesses of all sizes can leverage the offered services by cloud service providers. A survey by Forbes states that 28% of businesses have chosen Microsoft Azure cloud services to fulfill their needs of cloud computing.

One of the main reasons due to which businesses entrust Azure is that with the utilisation of these services, businesses can comfortably avoid overlay equipment costs. The upgradation and migration is managed by Microsoft itself and hence businesses can rest assured on this front as well.

Moreover, computing resources from the Azure cloud can be removed in less time giving businesses an edge of flexibility as well.

How Azure Cloud Services Keep Security Concerns at Bay?

Azure security center is a tool to monitor Azure sources for security related vulnerabilities and threats. The tool works on advanced analytics, detects vulnerabilities in the hybrid cloud network and recommend effective remedy steps if the need arises. There are multiple security concerns considering the sensitivity of the stored data and analysis of all of these is not available in the free version.

There are many points that needs to be governed before deploying cloud services. Businesses have to ensure that their exact requirements are outlined to the Azure cloud service providers. Therefore, it becomes necessary for them to contact pioneer cloud service providers. To book an appointment with one of the industry leaders, call +61290986006 or drop a mail at sales@exigotech.com.au.

Exigo Tech is a Sydney based company offering a range of technological services such as infrastructure, cloud, Microsoft Azure services and a lot more. To know more about their product portfolio, visit www.exigotech.com.au.