Understanding Cloud Hosting

To understand cloud hosting, you first need to understand the cloud. “The cloud” really means a collection of internet-accessible servers. When you host software “in the cloud,” the software lives on servers that are not located in your office building.

How does it work?

Cloud service providers are companies that own cloud servers. You rent space on those servers to store your software and its data. Cloud service subscriptions can be paid monthly or annually and are usually based on the amount of server space you use.

How do I access my software?

Because cloud servers are not at your physical location, you access the software on them through the internet with a web browser (Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari) or an application. You may not know it, but you use cloud software all the time. Facebook, Gmail, even TurboTax Online are all programs that live in the cloud.

What if the server goes down?

The great thing about the cloud is that it’s built to avoid this. If one part of the hardware goes down, there’s a backup to take its place. With the cloud, your software and data are not stored in one place, they’re spread across the cloud infrastructure so you don’t have all your eggs in one basket.

This also means that if your volume of activity increases, you can increase the bandwidth or resources that are allocated to your software without having to buy new physical servers. The extra activity can be spread across more hardware in the cloud infrastructure.

Cloud service providers also use multiple power sources for their servers, so if one power source is interrupted, the others are still running. And many providers offer continuous backups so if there is an interruption, you don’t risk losing data.

Most cloud service providers can offer a 99% uptime or better. Google runs on cloud servers, and it’s hard to think of a time when it was unavailable.

What about security?

Cloud service providers build their reputations on reliability and security. They invest more in security than most businesses would be able to afford on their own. Some security measures providers take include encryption, authentication, and authorization.

Encryption turns text into a complex code that can be decoded only with the encryption key. This prevents outsiders from reading or using your information.

Authentication requires you to verify who you are before a server will give you access to its contents, usually by entering a username and password. For greater security, some providers require a two-step verification process, like when you enter your username and password, and then a code is sent to you via text. You need the username, password, and code to access the system.

Finally, authorization lists tell your provider who you would like to have access to your information. If you’re not on the list, you don’t get access. The list may also be divided into authorization levels. Some users might have read-only access or limited editing capabilities, while executives might have full access.

What about upgrades?

With software in the cloud, your provider can run maintenance, fixes, or upgrades from anywhere in the world. This makes upgrades a simple process for you and your team. You will need to coordinate with your provider to schedule the upgrades for a time that’s convenient for your business, but then you can sit back and let the provider do the work. There is no need to coordinate a visit to your office to access your server.

Why should I consider the Cloud?

Cloud services offer several benefits for your business that can help drive down costs, improve efficiency, and put you ahead of the competition.

Access any time, anywhere

With software in the cloud, you’re not tied to the office to do work. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access your software.

Real-time information flow

Because of the internet accessibility, software in the cloud can be linked easily to mobile devices in the field. This means you can get instant updates from drivers and technicians, like ticket completion, and they can receive instant updates from your back office, like route or price changes.

Better reliability and bandwidth

With a redundant server infrastructure and multiple power sources, cloud service providers can often offer better uptime than an on-premise server. And high-volume activity is easily spread out across the cloud, so you aren’t limited to one server’s bandwidth.

Better security and failsafes

Cloud service providers stake their business on their security capabilities. With measures like encryption, authentication, and authorization, cloud service providers can often provide better security for your data than your business can. And you get the added benefit of failsafes like continuous backups and disaster recovery plans.

Reduced costs

With software in the cloud, you save yourself the overhead of purchasing, maintaining, and upgrading an office server.

Cargas Energy and the Cloud

Are you ready to move your business to the cloud? We’d love to help. Cargas Energy’s web-based platform can bring all the benefits of the cloud to your business.

Not sure about the cloud? Cargas Energy is not limited to the cloud. It can also be deployed on-premise if that is your preference. You can always choose to move it to the cloud later if you’d like.