The Ultimate Guide to Cloud Computing and Analytics
Collaboration in the workplace has changed drastically in the 21st century, thanks to the use of cloud computing. Gone are the days when all colleagues had to meet at the office to complete projects successfully.
Individuals and businesses today are using cloud computing to access work systems files and features without storing data on their computers. Some cloud computing platforms, such as Google Drive and Dropbox, are so popular that many people use them without even realizing it. That said, businesses that have to compile, send or use big data find secure cloud computing invaluable. But first…
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing allows multiple users to access files and applications remotely through the internet. Users access these files and resources remotely stored on the internet or cloud instead of each user’s hard drive. The resources on the cloud vary strikingly and may include databases, servers, software, networking, and other data types.
Any electronic device connected to the internet can access the data or software programs. Analytics in cloud computing takes away all the guesswork in processing data stored in the cloud. Through data analytics, users can recognize data patterns and come up with predictions based on these patterns.
There are numerous benefits, such as enhanced productivity, robust security, better performance, significant cost savings, and global efficiency. With cloud computing, the internet is the cloud, and all your data can be accessed or analyzed from anywhere around the world.
Understanding how cloud computing and analytics works
Accessing cloud computing services is only possible through a third-party vendor unless you procure your own data centers, which can be pretty costly.
Cloud computing service providers should have modern data centers with enough power and storage capacity to handle large amounts of data. A cloud analytics system can then compile, clean, organize and process this data using suitable models. The good thing is that the user gets the final data insights through visual and intuitive formats.
While each cloud computing platform has different features, some key standard features exist among highly-acclaimed service providers. These include:
- Data sources – Your business probably has a couple of data sources, and these are what your cloud computing platform will use to get data. Data sources may include social media info, customer relationship management, or enterprise resource planning systems.
- Data models – An effective data model should assist you in retrieving and compiling data. It also outlines how different data sets are related to each other. There are simple data models such as those that identify or use data from an excel spreadsheet and complex ones that use multiple data sources with varying parameters.
- Sufficient computing power – Cloud computing and analytics require high computing power to compile, clean, and assess large swathes of data. Such systems should be able to process many applications or information fed to it.
- Analytic models – Having large volumes of data is not enough. You need analytic models to analyze even the most complex data sets and make accurate predictions. An analytic model is a mathematical model that your cloud computing platform will use to assess any data you input.
- Data sharing and storage- You can also get data warehousing as a service if you just want to store information. Luckily, these platforms enable you to retrieve data easily worldwide.
Choosing the best cloud computing platform
Despite existing for more than two decades and having invaluable business advantages, the uptake of cloud computing has been slow. The International Data Group ascertains that 69% of businesses use cloud computing in one way or another, while only 18% seek these services in the future. And while many businesses are using cloud computing platforms to run their organizations efficiently, finding the best cloud computing platform has been a hurdle. Here’s how you can find the best cloud computing platform.
Cloud and data security
With many businesses handling sensitive customer data, there should be no room for error with matters relating to data security. You should understand the security goals and security measures that your provider is offering. Take note of the free security features that your cloud computing platform offers and the extra services that you have to pay for.
Be sure to check for common security features such as multi-factor authentication, data encryption, intrusion detection, and enterprise-grade firewalls, among others.
Scalability
The best cloud computing services should be scalable to make it easy to grow your business. You don’t want to change your cloud computing infrastructure after hitting a milestone. Confirm the use limit of your cloud computing platform so that you won’t be forced to change your cloud computing service provider.
Customer support
You want responsive customer support that can promptly address your or your employees’ issues. Many cloud computing platforms have the best services and features but will instead be slow in offering customer support. Before signing that deal, you have to be sure about the customer support you get.
Some cloud computing platforms will restrict their business hours and the number of times they can assist. If you work on the weekend, you may need a vendor that offers you 24/7 assistance. You also want someone that can tailor their customer support to meet your needs and preferences.
Architecture and compatibility
Perhaps one of the primary considerations when choosing a cloud computing platform is how you incorporate your current and future workflows with your infrastructure. You want to work with a platform that you can easily integrate with.
Companies in the Microsoft ecosystem may find it more sensible to use Azure for real-time integration and other benefits. This would not be the same case for a company on the Amazon or Google ecosystem. Your needs would best suit AWS if your business is within the Amazon architecture.
Best uses of cloud computing and data analytics
Cloud computing and data analytics continues to change how people live and do business across different industries. Here are a couple of uses of cloud computing and analysis in our contemporary world.
- Software as a service (SaaS)
Software as a service, commonly known as SaaS, is an efficient way for tech companies to host applications on the internet monthly. Cloud computing platforms can deliver software, help with infrastructure installation, handle maintenance, and guarantee security remotely. Users will just need a computer browser and internet access to enjoy the use of computing cloud infrastructure.
- Storing records
Cloud computing and data analytics have changed how businesses record, compile, and process data. For example, a company can now record its sales across different franchises in the US and adjust its supply and shipping according to client preferences.
- Social media analytics
It was previously difficult to understand and interpret social media trends and activities. Cloud computing now allows brands to examine, collect and analyze patterns.
- Tracking products and preferences
Many billion-dollar companies in the US are using cloud computing and analytics to improve their operations and increase profits. Amazon uses cloud drives to track the location of a product across its extensive shipping line and ensure its prompt delivery.
On the other hand, Netflix uses data analytics to collect user movie preferences and make the perfect recommendations. The company collects this information and stores it in the cloud so that you can access all your account information anywhere in the world. Talk about convenience.
Final thoughts: Cloud computing and analytics in the modern world
More and more businesses worldwide are embracing cloud computing and analytics to change their business operations and redefine their services. Finding a competent data analytics professional is the first step to enjoying the numerous benefits and uses of cloud computing and data analysis. You can easily find a freelance data analyst and other data experts on Pangaea X to help you get started.
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