Glossary
Cloud
What is the cloud?
The cloud is essentially a network of remote servers that provide internet-based computing services, including storage, processing power, and applications. You can use the cloud to access and manage data and resources from any internet-connected location without having to own or operate the physical infrastructure. Cloud technology provides scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency which makes it essential for modern digital operations.
How does the cloud work?
The cloud operates through a worldwide network of remote servers located in data centers, which deliver computing resources and services via the internet. Users obtain applications together with data storage and processing power through cloud providers instead of depending on personal devices or local servers. The cloud providers own and manage all of the physical infrastructure, including hardware, networking, and security capabilities.
When a user or system requests a service—such as launching a virtual machine or storing a file—the request is routed through the internet to the right cloud server. Virtualization and resource pooling are critical components of the cloud and enable the system to allocate resources dynamically. This dynamic allocation makes the cloud extremely scalable and efficient. Users access cloud services through web browsers or APIs and are typically charged on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Benefits of the cloud
The main advantages of cloud computing include:
Scalability: Quickly and easily scale resources up or down according to demand.
Cost efficiency: You pay only for what you use, which reduces up-front expenses.
Flexible access: Access data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection.
Performance: Leverage cloud providers’ high-speed infrastructure and data centers around the world.
Security: Encryption and other advanced security and compliance tools are offered, managed, and updated by providers.
Disaster recovery and backup: The cloud offers built-in redundancy and resilience, as well as quick recovery options that can help ensure business continuity when disaster strikes.
Speed of innovation: Quick deployment of new services, tools, or applications keeps organizations agile and competitive.
Challenges of the cloud
Some common cloud challenges include:
Vendor lock-in: Switching to a different provider can be difficult because each provider has its own set of tools, formats, and architectures.
Data governance: While it’s very easy to store data in the cloud, it can be challenging to manage where it’s stored, how it’s accessed, and who controls it.
Integration complications: Some legacy systems or applications can require a lot of effort to integrate with the cloud.
Data protection and compliance: Shared environments like the cloud can make security and privacy complex.
Hidden costs: While the cloud typically offers cost-effective upfront pricing, nasty surprises on invoices can still occur due to storage fees or not closely monitoring usage.
Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage
Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage delivers the best of the cloud without the downsides. It’s a different kind of cloud storage that allows you to store as much data as you want, simply and securely. With straightforward pricing that’s up to 80% less than AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform—and no fees for egress or API calls, which can add up fast—you just get fast, reliable, and secure cloud object storage that is accessible and predictable.