Virtual hosting solutions via cloud-based platforms come in a variety of offerings. These kinds of services supply hosting for sites on servers that use computing assistance from web servers and networks.
Hosting of this type is made available as a service versus a product and can be compared to traditional utility services, such as electricity and gas. The client is able to tap into the cloud as much as is needed, depending on the requirements for his site. He, in turn, only pays for what he uses. Cloud services are made available from a network of servers that originate from varying data centres in different locales.
PaaS and IaaS Cloud Services: Noting the Differences
Examples of hosting via the cloud may fall under two main classifications – either Platform as a Service (PaaS) or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). If a client chooses IaaS, he can install his choice of a software environment before instituting a web application.
If he selects PaaS service, he is provided with the software environment – an environment, such as a solution stack, which consists of database and programming support, OS, and web server software. When a client chooses this cloud option, he can install and develop his web application right away.
PaaS – A Preferred Cloud Approach
If a business features a complex IT infrastructure and has experienced IT professionals on its staff, it sometimes opts for a customisable IaaS model. However, most businesses today prefer the ease of using a PaaS option as well as the related cost-efficiency.
VDC Application
Developing hosting in the cloud for enterprise customers is employed with the use of a Virtual Data Centre or VDC. VDC uses a virtualized server network in the cloud – an integrated network that can be employed to host both a company’s websites and all of its operations related to IT.
An obvious example of hosting in the cloud entails the use of the public cloud. This type of hosting platform involves hosting sites using the resources that use the same public networks in order to transmit computer data. This computer data is then physically stored on shared servers. Public cloud services include the installation of security measures to make sure that any data is kept private and available for site installation.
Cloud Advantages and Features
If privacy and security are a primary concern for a business, it may want to choose a private cloud as an alternative. This kind of cloud system uses servers and networks, or ring-fenced resources, at site locations. Whether you choose public or private cloud hosting, the service offers the following advantages and features.
- Reliability is one of the hallmark features of hosting in the cloud. Rather than using one server for hosting, a virtual partition is used. This partition extracts resources from a broad network of physical servers. If one of the servers goes offline, it will lessen the level of resources that are offered in the cloud. However, it will not have any effect on overall availability. Therefore, a website’s virtual servers will continue to work because the risk is spread over multiple data centres that are located in separate areas.
- Security is assured, as the physical servers are contained within data centres where security measures are implemented to prevent people from disrupting or accessing the servers on-site.
- Utility type payments make it possible for a client to pay for only the cloud services he uses.
- Load balancing is utilised, which makes it possible for a business to respond to ever-changing demands.
- Adaptability and scalability are provided, which are not limited to the physical capacity of only one server. If your site needs additional resources from its hosting platform because of an increase in site activity, the resources can be accessed without difficulty. Even if you are utilising a private cloud model, the service can frequently be permitted to “burst” to obtain resources from a public cloud platform to cover any surges of activity.
The Private Cloud Model
The private cloud model is a type of cloud system that requires a secure cloud-based environment where only a specific client can work. Like a public cloud model, a private cloud provides the service of computing power in a setting that is virtualised, which uses an underlying network of computing resources. However, access to a private cloud is only attainable by one company. Organisations who wish to enjoy enhanced privacy and more control prefer this system of cloud computing.
Therefore, private cloud services are defined by a ring-fencing of the cloud so it can be used by one organisation and enjoy elevated levels of network security. The public cloud, by contrast, entertains multiple clients, all of whom draw resources from the same servers spanning over public networks.
Private cloud services, by comparison, obtain their resources from a specific pool of computers, which are hosted externally and may be accessed over secure encrypted connections by way of public networks or over private lines that are leased.
The ring-fenced cloud model is additionally secured and, therefore, is the ideal platform for any company or organisation that needs access to the processing of private data or needs to manage sensitive tasks. Usually, companies in the financial field utilise private cloud servers as they are required, by regulatory mandates, to maintain sensitive information in-house or internally.
A private cloud model can be likened to more traditional models of LANs, which were formerly used by enterprises. However, the private cloud has the extra benefit of virtualisation. Private clouds therefore mainly provide users with greater security and privacy, and more control.
Cost and energy efficiency increase with the implementation of a private cloud, which improves resource allocation in an organisation. In essence, private clouds are the ideal solution for larger companies who want to manage their own cloud platform.
Besides private and public clouds, your company can also choose a hybrid cloud platform. This type of cloud pools together the power of dedicated servers with the redundancy adaptability of the cloud.