Cloud computing: get your terminology right!

Since "the cloud" is the dominant development in just about every area of business IT, everyone seems to be talking about it. Or writing about it. 

And that's contributing to a flurry of confusion of what 'cloud computing' means.

Some seem to use the term to mean exclusively Software as a Service (SaaS), such as Salesforce.com. Others use it synonymously with cloud-based document storage, such as Box.net. Meanwhile, debates smoulder on across the Internet regarding what is-and isn't-"cloud".

It's no wonder our Bristol-based IT support clients sometimes look to us for a bit of clarity!

So let's clear up...

Document storage is the most basic way to use the cloud. Your documents are held on somebody else's server. You can set permissions for document sharing and access. The virtue of cloud-based file storage is that it offers access from anywhere and, usually, more robust backup than small businesses provide for themselves.

SaaS is the next layer: tools you can use, usually via a web browser or smartphone app, that carry out tasks usually done by installed software. This is the area of the cloud most familiar to most computer users. It includes popular webmail services such as Gmail, photo processing tools such as Picnik. And of course, it includes a wealth of business tools such as Microsoft Office 365.

PaaS, platform-as-a-service, takes things a lot further, letting you hire out the machines and the operating systems that do the job. Instead of having to understand the platform and carry out your own upgrades, you just get on with using them to fulfil your IT needs: development, company intranet, whatever you require.

And IaaS is, basically, the works. Infrastructure as a service. Imagine accessing your servers, network equipment and database storage… but without having to own any of it. You'd just work on thin clients: any machine with internet access and a processor. You get a low cost alternative to investing in your own IT setup. You can see why some people prefer to call it simply "IT as a service".

And all of the above works because of connectivity to other companies' servers via the Internet.

In other words, all of the above can be called "cloud computing".

If you'd like to get in touch and find out more, call our IT support team in Bristol on 01275 398900.