Adopting cloud technology can streamline your company’s digital transformation. The cloud offers computing systems and IT services over the internet, eliminating the need for on-site computer services. This not only saves your business time and resources but also enhances scalability. Additionally, it allows for easier access to data and applications from anywhere.
However, it’s crucial to understand and recognize the different components and ideas associated with the cloud—namely, cloud networking and cloud computing.
Though often used interchangeably, these terms represent two distinct concepts. Cloud networking refers to the connectivity and infrastructure of cloud-based services, while cloud computing describes individual cloud services—such as software, storage, and intelligence.
In this guide, we’ll take a comparative look at cloud computing and networking so you can better understand the meaning of each. This will help you make more informed decisions for your business.
Cloud Networking
How Does Cloud Networking Function?
Cloud networks are Wide Area Networks (WAN) that consist of virtual components, such as virtual firewalls, networks, and routers. By having these in digital form, you eliminate the need for physical hardware equivalents. This digital setup simplifies maintenance and reduces costs associated with physical hardware.
The components work together to create a digital infrastructure from which you can perform cloud-based activities. The way this infrastructure is created depends on the type of cloud network you use—whether it’s public or private. Each type offers different levels of control, security, and cost efficiency to suit various business needs.
You don’t need a cloud network to use cloud computing. However, having one in place offers several business benefits, such as improved traffic flow and increased scalability. It also provides better management of data and resources, enhancing overall efficiency.
The cloud network can be seen as the backbone of your cloud setup, handling data connectivity and management to support cloud computing on-site. It connects the required devices and enables communication between them, ensuring seamless data transfer and coordination. This connectivity is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of your cloud services.
Public or Private Cloud
When using a public cloud network, a third party provides you with resources to create a virtual network. These resources typically include virtual routers, bandwidth, firewalls, switches, load balancers, and network management software. Public clouds are adjustable based on your company’s size and needs and can provide additional resources as necessary. This flexibility makes public clouds an attractive option for businesses looking to scale efficiently.
Setting up a private cloud network requires using on-premises resources to build your cloud network. By keeping the network onsite, you can ensure the security of your sensitive data. However, it also means that your IT department will need to be more hands-on to support and maintain this network. While private clouds offer enhanced control and security, they require greater internal management and investment in infrastructure compared to public cloud options.
Different Types of Cloud Networking
When it comes to different types of clouds, you have:
Hybrid cloud network
As mentioned earlier, hybrid cloud networks combine both private and public cloud networks. A “hybrid” cloud network is a flexible mixture of the two, allowing organizations to leverage the benefits of both models. In addition to private and public clouds, hybrid cloud networks can also incorporate on-site data centers and more traditional network models, offering versatility and scalability to meet varying business needs and preferences.
Multi-cloud network
Multi-cloud networks connect and streamline multiple cloud networks. If a company’s needs are not fully met by one public network provider, they can utilize multi-cloud networking (MCN) to integrate this network with another. This network type usually involves two cloud networks but can, in some instances, incorporate several, offering businesses enhanced flexibility and redundancy in their cloud infrastructure.
The Benefits of Cloud Networking
The benefits of cloud networking are numerous:
- Better traffic flow: This digital infrastructure enables efficient traffic management and optimized flow by offering ample bandwidth.
- Cost-effectiveness: Eliminate upfront hardware costs and ongoing expenses associated with physical components’ storage and maintenance since everything resides on the cloud.
- Scalability: Easily expand applications, storage, and data on the cloud network without the need for additional physical infrastructure investment. Capacity can be swiftly added as needed, ensuring your network adapts seamlessly to business growth.
- Easy setup: Public network options alleviate concerns about setup and configuration, as these tasks are handled by the providers. Updates and maintenance of the cloud network are also managed by the providers, simplifying upkeep.
- Increased productivity: With reduced time spent on maintaining the cloud infrastructure, your IT department can focus on more critical tasks, enhancing overall productivity and efficiency.
Cloud Computing
How Does Cloud Computing Function?
Cloud computing, on the other hand, serves as an umbrella term for the various cloud services accessible through the internet. While cloud networking involves logical components like routers and firewalls, “computing” encompasses services and resources such as virtual machines, storage, software, and databases. Essentially, cloud computing focuses on the delivery of computing services over the internet, enabling users to access and utilize a wide range of resources without the need for on-premises infrastructure.
The use case of cloud computing is vast, with businesses across all industries leveraging cloud systems in various ways. At a glance, cloud computing can be utilized for storing data, developing software, testing, communication, collaboration, and much more.
It’s evident that most businesses, to some extent, have integrated the cloud into their operations. In 2024, global business spending on cloud computing is projected to surpass $1 trillion, highlighting the widespread adoption and significant investment in cloud technology across the corporate landscape.
Public or Private Cloud
Public cloud services are hosted externally, with the hosts responsible for overseeing the maintenance, security, and development of the cloud platforms. Users can access and store data remotely on these services, eliminating the need for private data centers and local hard drives. This deployment type is the most common as it offers accessibility to anyone with an internet connection, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes and industries.
Private cloud services, in contrast, are not open to the public. This cloud type is exclusively reserved for the single company that owns it. This exclusivity ensures that the cloud resources and infrastructure are dedicated solely to the organization’s use, providing enhanced control, security, and customization options tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
Hybrid clouds, on the other hand, combine various public and private cloud features. This flexible approach allows organizations to leverage the benefits of both public and private clouds, tailoring their cloud infrastructure to meet specific business requirements. Hybrid clouds enable seamless integration between on-premises resources and cloud services, offering enhanced scalability, security, and flexibility while accommodating diverse workloads and applications.
Different Types of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing service types encompass a range of offerings tailored to meet diverse business needs. Some common cloud computing service types include:
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms are best described as end-user applications. These are complete applications delivered via the internet and hosted on the cloud, eliminating the need for users to install, maintain, or update software locally. Examples of SaaS include popular tools like Slack for communication, Dropbox for file storage, and Zoom for video conferencing, providing users with convenient access to essential software functionalities from any device with an internet connection.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides users with the tools and resources necessary to develop, deploy, and manage their own applications in the cloud. With PaaS, users can leverage pre-built frameworks, development tools, and infrastructure components to streamline the application development process. Examples of PaaS offerings include Microsoft Azure and IBM Cloud, which empower businesses to create and deploy sophisticated business applications without the need for extensive infrastructure management.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offers users infrastructure and computing resources via the cloud, enabling them to provision and manage virtualized computing resources over the internet. These resources encompass networking features, such as virtual servers, storage, and networking capabilities, allowing users to scale their infrastructure as needed without the need for physical hardware maintenance. Example of an IaaS provider is Amazon Web Services (AWS), which offer a wide range of flexible and scalable infrastructure solutions to meet the diverse needs of businesses and developers.
The Benefits of Cloud Computing
The benefits of cloud computing are numerous:
- Collaboration: With data stored on the cloud, it becomes easily accessible from any supported device with an internet connection. This facilitates seamless collaboration on projects, enabling employees working remotely or even overseas teams to collaborate effectively.
- Streamlined operations: Cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software simplify operations by integrating various processes. Compared to traditional hardware setups, cloud solutions offer greater flexibility and scalability, leading to more efficient business operations.
- Increased security: Cloud software is equipped with advanced security measures such as two-factor authentication, data encryption, and regular data backups. Centralized cloud security allows for prompt responses to security threats, ensuring data protection and minimizing potential risks.
- Environmental benefits: Storing data on the cloud is more environmentally friendly than traditional data center backups. Cloud infrastructure consumes fewer resources and energy, reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact compared to maintaining on-premises hardware.
Should you get a cloud network for your business?
Investing in a cloud network has the potential to revolutionize how your business operates. If your company generates significant amounts of data daily and seeks to enhance productivity, mobility, and scalability, adopting a cloud network is highly recommended.
The benefits of cloud networks span across various industries, making them suitable for businesses across the board. Cloud networks excel in supporting high transaction volumes, making them ideal for sectors like banking and finance, as well as accommodating the bandwidth demands of large-scale retail operations.
Moreover, cloud networking is increasingly prevalent in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. Its versatility and adaptability make it a valuable asset for organizations seeking to modernize their operations and improve efficiency across diverse sectors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the disparity between cloud computing and cloud networking is pivotal for any business aiming to leverage the full potential of cloud technology. While cloud computing encompasses a broad spectrum of services and resources accessible over the internet, cloud networking focuses on the connectivity and infrastructure that underpin these services. Cloud networking forms the backbone of your cloud setup, facilitating seamless data transfer and communication between devices to support cloud computing on-site.
When it comes to choosing between public and private cloud networking options, businesses must weigh the trade-offs between scalability, security, and control. Public cloud networks offer flexibility and ease of setup, making them attractive for businesses aiming to scale efficiently without heavy upfront investments. On the other hand, private cloud networks provide enhanced control and security, making them suitable for organizations handling sensitive data that require strict compliance measures.
Furthermore, the emergence of hybrid and multi-cloud networking models presents additional options for businesses seeking a tailored approach to their cloud infrastructure. Hybrid cloud networks combine the benefits of both private and public clouds, offering versatility and scalability, while multi-cloud networks streamline multiple cloud networks to enhance flexibility and redundancy.
In light of these considerations, investing in a cloud network can revolutionize how businesses operate by enhancing productivity, scalability, and mobility. Whether it’s streamlining operations in sectors like banking and finance or modernizing processes in manufacturing and healthcare, cloud networking offers a versatile solution to meet diverse business needs.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level with a robust cloud infrastructure strategy, consider Prosimo. We have developed a radical new approach to empower true multi-cloud infrastructure strategies, enabling you to deliver apps that are fast, secure, and cost-optimized. Take action today and unlock the full potential of cloud networking for your business.
