These resources include servers, data storage, networks, software, among others.
The use of cloud computing has increased exponentially in recent years due to a number of advantages it offers. These advantages include agility, scalability, high availability of infrastructure and wide geographic distribution.
These elements are essential to provide companies with the flexibility they need in their digital transformation processes and in launching new services and applications for their customers.
According to Gartner, by 2028, cloud computing will not only be a necessity for enterprise competitiveness, but also for business survival.
In this article, we will explore the main benefits of cloud computing for organisations.
Operational Agility and Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of cloud computing is its agility. Unlike traditional IT infrastructure provisioning processes, the cloud allows for rapid acquisition of compute resources, which enables enterprises to scale their operations in an agile manner, increasing productivity and operational efficiency.
Flexible Cost Models
In the cloud environment, users are billed for resources exactly as they are used. This provides great flexibility to handle variable demands, as resources can be scaled up or down as needed at any given time.
High Availability and SLAs
Cloud solutions are designed with redundancies at all operational layers. From power systems to connectivity, the cloud offers high availability. Service Level Agreements (SLAs) define the levels of availability guaranteed by providers. This reduces downtime and ensures the continuity of applications in the cloud.
Geographic Distribution
Cloud service providers generally have data centres distributed in various geographic regions. This distribution not only ensures greater global coverage and proximity to end users, but also increases resilience and availability of services. By allowing users to have data and applications in multiple locations, providers offer better performance, reducing latency and optimising the user experience.
Flexibility and Scalability
Flexibility and scalability are key features of cloud computing, allowing users to adjust and build compute resources as needed. This facilitates the growth or reduction of cloud services, providing an infrastructure that dynamically adapts to business needs.
Sustainability
Cloud computing is considered beneficial for sustainability, as it enables the consolidation and optimisation of the use of computational resources. This greatly reduces carbon emissions, as companies can avoid having their own physical data centres, which tend to have a somewhat larger carbon footprint.
In addition, some of the cloud providers invest in efficient technologies, hardware recycling and reuse programmes, as well as renewable energy sources, further extending the environmental benefits.
Conclusion
The cloud is a technology that is transforming the future of business and the way we build technology solutions. However, it is crucial to remember that cloud migration in organisations must be carefully planned and structured in a clear and objective manner. This is essential to meet the specific needs of the business, avoiding unnecessary costs, security issues and operational inefficiencies.