Clearing Up the Fog: Cloud Basics
It is no secret that the technology boom has been coming in waves for decades and each wave proves to be more robust than the last. Technology today is faster, more efficient, profitable, and “smart”, leading to the success of many organizations big and small throughout the world.
In today’s world, we have the ability to back up important data every 15 minutes to minimize the risk of data loss, and we can do this from anywhere in the world and at any time of the day, using our tablet, mobile device, or computer. The best part is that we no longer need overpriced onsite hardware, or have to cut expenses for an internal IT department. All of this is possible due to a new wave of technology – Cloud Computing.
So, What Exactly Is Cloud Computing?
Although there are many definitions of Cloud Computing, let’s keep it simple - Cloud Computing, or as it’s commonly referred to as “the cloud”, is a type of server or system that resides in a remote location, with other servers and systems, typically in a data center. Rather than spending the important things you need to run a business, like money, time, and space, on a local server that resides at your location, you would access your data via the internet, where it resides on a remote server. More and more businesses are turning to the cloud - in fact, 90% of businesses are now using cloud services*. If you use Gmail or Office 365 for email, social media, or data back-up solutions such as Dropbox or iCloud, you are using a cloud-based tool without even knowing it!
So Many Terms, So Little Time
It’s true there are many different types of cloud-based servers, but the type is typically dependent on who owns the server. Public servers are synonymous with “the cloud” and data is accessed through the internet. Private servers - or local servers - are owned internally by an organization and will need maintenance and your data may be at risk if a local disaster hits. Additionally, the recovery time is never guaranteed and data storage may be limited. Some businesses are turning to a hybrid method, where both public and private servers are used. The average business now runs 38% of workloads in a public cloud and 41% in a private cloud*.
Salesforce the Leading Pioneer
A major milestone in cloud computing was the launch of Salesforce back in 1999. Salesforce leads the way in delivering enterprise applications via the cloud. In today’s world, we refer to that new industry as SaaS or Software as a Service. These multi cloud-based applications were created to serve many organizations, access data via the internet, and most importantly, be available at low cost to customers. It wasn’t until after Salesforce forged ahead with the SaaS model that Microsoft, Gmail, and Amazon joined in on offering their own SaaS applications.
That is why Canvas Cloud is proud to be part of the Salesforce legacy of connecting businesses to the cloud, allowing organizations to access data at their fingertips, reducing company costs, and streamline workflows.
If you are a small to midsize business or a nonprofit, we understand the importance of keeping your business and organization lean. We fully support the hard work and extra hours that our local small businesses and nonprofits put in to give back to our communities! We want to ensure they are thriving and keeping their doors open, no matter the economic climate. Let us help you find a solution that is within your budget and customizable to meet your business needs!
Find out more about how we can help by connecting with us at www.canvascloud.com.
