As part of my job writing these articles and news items, I have the luxury of spending quality time reading other people’s work, and there is a lot of great, useful, informative and free information out there to be read. But unless those articles are thrown your way, or you are specifically looking for that topic, and that excellent article can be found on at least the first 2 pages of Google, then you likely won’t ever see it, as it is lost in the abyss that is Google’s search engine result pages (SERPs for short). So instead of writing yet another lengthy article on the topic never to be seen again, and as it has already been covered several times over, I thought it would be better to compile some of the best items on cloud computing from across the web you may otherwise not have found.

So without further ado…

What is Cloud Computing?

Below are two excellent references, one more Layman’s than the other but both looking at how cloud works, it’s history and more.

Our first bit of content is quite likely one of the first search results you will find on the internet about cloud computing, and it is completely contradicting what I had just said above about articles you may otherwise not have discovered. Nonetheless it is by far one of the best in depth explanations, though as you will see it is not as straightforward an explanation for all to follow, unlike the second on the list below which provides a far more Layman’s approach.

1) Cloud Computing – Wikipedia 

This next article on ‘What is Cloud Computing’ comes from snhu education, and was recently written by Danielle Gagnon. The article does take more of an educational approach to cloud, but either way it is a jolly good read!

2) What is Cloud Computing – snhu Education – by Danielle Gagnon

The Different Types of Cloud Computing Architecture

There are 3 main architectures (IaaS, PaaS and SaaS) within Cloud Computing, each providing a number of different compute and data offerings, subject to your requirements either one or possibly all three forms may be needed. Fortunately as this can be a rather confusing area if you are not technically minded or that ofay with such technology and are going it alone, then do not fret as Kaya Ismail from CMS WiRE has written an excellent guide comparing the three main offerings and how they can be of use to you.

3) IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS Cloud Computing Architectures Compared – CMS Wire – by Kaya Ismail

What Can Cloud Computing Be Used For?

The short answer to this question is; pretty much anything online from social media and education as touched upon above, to entertainment, your business and even the healthcare industry, there is an abundance of different applications cloud can be used for and Java T Point (a technologies learning portal) have put together possibly the most extensive list of these types of applications along with some great examples.

4) Cloud Computing Applications – by Java T Point

Traditional Computing Vs Cloud Computing

Now you have learned what cloud computing is, how it works and how it can be used, how does it compare to traditional computing, and is it a better alternative to your current setup?

Well GeeksforGeeks, a free online programmer community has put together an all you need to know list and explanation of the differences and benefits of both traditional and cloud computing.

5) Difference between Cloud Architecture and Cloud Engineering – by Madhuri Hammad – GeeksforGeeks

Who Provides Cloud Computing Services?

Other than the usual big three (Microsoft, Amazon and Google) players there is an almighty number of providers and resellers, all with varying offerings, prices, speed, technology and security. In many instances like with ourselves, going with a reseller can be and usually is far more cost effective, what you pay will be the same, however with ourselves for example we help you setup, give you a month of free cloud and are just a phone call away if you need additional help and guidance. Going directly to the source doesn’t usually have that same quick response time or guidance.

That said, there are many excellent providers to choose from and the wonderful people at Guru99, a free tech source learning website based in Ahmedabad, India, have compiled the perfect list, the top 25 Cloud Computing providers.

6) Top 25 Cloud Computing Service Provider Companies (2021 Website Name List) – Guru99

Conclusion

Now you have all the ammunition you need to understand what the cloud is, how it works, how it can help you, what architecture(s) would work best for your needs, as well as who provides cloud services.

Though it is certainly of benefit and importance to understand the systems and software you choose to use to run your business, it is also important to consider who will provide that service to you. Just like buying a brand new item for example, if you search for that item on more local retailer websites or directly on the manufacturers website you will likely but not always find better offers on that item with the local retailers, this is no different in the services sector, though many companies provide cloud computing they do not provide a tailored and more personal hands on approach. 

Now I’m not suggesting that the price will necessarily be cheaper than going directly to the source, in this instance prices are usually the same after a free month period, however if you need assistance subject to what that entails, you likely won’t receive more than an email reply from that service provider, usually suggesting that you get the help and support of your technical support team, so you definitely will want to consider going through an IT Support Provider like ourselves as it won’t cost you anything additional than it would otherwise cost you, unless of course you do not have an IT support team or contract in place then it can cost you a lot more. The benefit of having an IT team at hand, especially a local one, is that any issues can be dealt with in a timely manner instead of waiting days and losing business over.

If you would like to discuss your Cloud Computing options or are already connected to the cloud and would like the occasional support, then do not hesitate in calling us on: 01737 824 003 or email us at: support@tlptech.co.uk

Alternatively why not take a look through our Cloud Computing Services page Here: