A cloud server is essentially a virtual server that operates in a cloud computing environment. It is a logical server built and hosted on a computing platform across the Internet. They have similar features as the traditional server but can be accessed remotely from a cloud hosting provider. The cloud server is usually an Infrastructure as a Service or Iaas model. Cloud servers can be logical and physical. It is logical when delivered through virtualization of server.
Why is cloud server hosting popular?
Hosting can be shared or dedicated; shared is the cheaper alternative where the servers are commonly shared amongst multiple user websites. This set up is obviously inflexible and cannot handle excessive traffic. In dedicated hosting however, the client buys an entire server and there is no sharing of resources. Therefore, a dedicated server gives you complete control over web hosting. The drawback in dedicated server hosting is that you must be able to estimate the traffic and have enough resources at hand to deal with this. In case this prediction is faulty, your site may malfunction during traffic spikes and you will end up paying more bandwidth for these periods. Cloud server hosting lets you enjoy the best features of both these types of hosting.
Using cloud server hosting you can scale the resources up and down depending on your needs. Since cloud server hosting is flexible, it is also more affordable and you pay for resources that you use. Whenever there are demands on the servers, the capacity can also be automatically increased to cater to the demands; the greatest advantage being that you will not to have to pay for this on a long term basis. This is why the pay-as-you-use- model supported by cloud server hosting has made it so popular.
Advantages of choosing cloud server hosting:
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Cost-Effective: Since the data is stored in a cloud, there is no cost for setting up expensive server or IT infrastructure. This automatically cuts down on expenses for upgrades and maintenance of software and hardware. This advantage lets you run the business on a budget and enhance its productivity at the same time.
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Efficiency: With less equipment to control and handle, there is no need for a lot of manpower. This also helps to reduce costs and allows the organization to run better in the absence of too many people.
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Accessibility: Since data is stored in clouds, it can be accessed at any time from any device as long as there is Internet connectivity. So, you can access important files and documents even when you are on the go.
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Security: Cloud server hosting offers a high level of security from both human and environmental threats. The multiple data centers ensure that data is backed up automatically and can be made available to you even if there is a natural calamity or accident like fire outbreaks. Built-in security measures also protect sensitive and valuable data from hackers and malware.
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Storage: Cloud hosting offers unlimited storage capacity so that you do not need to buy additional storage.
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Collaboration: Since all files or documents are stored in one location, collaboration is quicker and easier. Multiple employees can work on an important document together as a team. They can sync documents and applications and this flexibility helps in increasing productivity. There is greater control over documents unlike in traditional hosting where the employees are expected to send documents back and forth across emails. Moreover, data is also backed up automatically in cloud hosting; so, you do not need to maintain a separate team to regular backups and updates.
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Disaster Recovery: Cloud computing ensures that all files and data can be recovered in the event of a disaster. Fate data recovery guarantees that businesses do not lose unnecessary time in data retrieval.
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Scalability: Cloud sites can scale resources up and down depending on the demands posed by varying levels of internet traffic.
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Environment–Friendly: Since businesses use clouds to store data, carbon footprint is naturally cut down. Using the cloud means 30% less consumption of energy and carbon emission compared to using on-site servers.
The hybrid cloud server is basically an integrated cloud which uses both public and private clouds for performing different functions inside a single organization. For example, a business may maximize its efficiency by choosing public cloud features for its non-sensitive operations while opting for a private cloud when it comes to mission-critical applications.
