Definition of External Cloud
External cloud, also known as public cloud, refers to a computing environment where IT services and resources are provided by an external service provider over the internet. These resources, like servers, storage, and applications, are managed by the provider and shared among multiple clients to ensure cost-effectiveness and scalability. Users can access these services on a subscription basis, typically paying for what they actually use.
Phonetic
The phonetic pronunciation of the keyword “External Cloud” is:/ɛkˈstɝːnəl klaʊd/
Key Takeaways
- Scalability and flexibility: External clouds provide organizations with scalable resources and services that can be easily adjusted based on their growing needs and user demands. This offers businesses a flexible solution for managing their IT infrastructure.
- Cost efficiency: External cloud services often operate on a pay-as-you-go model, saving businesses expenses on hardware, software, and maintenance costs. This allows organizations to optimize their budgets, only paying for the resources and services they actually use.
- Data security and compliance: External cloud providers take responsibility for securing data and meeting regulatory compliance standards. They employ advanced security measures and tools, including encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, to keep stored data secure and private.
Importance of External Cloud
The term “External Cloud” is important because it refers to a powerful and versatile computing model that allows businesses and individuals to access, store and process data and applications on a global scale.
By utilizing external cloud services, users can benefit from the on-demand availability of resources, cost efficiency, scalability, and flexibility, without having to invest in and maintain their own IT infrastructure.
This not only reduces the cost and complexity associated with traditional computing systems but also facilitates collaboration and innovation.
Moreover, external cloud providers are responsible for data security, backups, and ensuring optimal performance, allowing users to focus on their core tasks and objectives.
As a result, the external cloud plays a key role in the digital transformation of businesses and is an essential component of modern technology ecosystems.
Explanation
External cloud services are designed to provide organizations with ready access to elastic computing resources and various IT services, which significantly reduces the need to maintain and manage on-premise infrastructure. The purpose of this technology is to offer scalable solutions for data storage, processing, and management, allowing organizations to adapt quickly to varying demands and workload levels. By leveraging external cloud services, companies can achieve cost-saving benefits, as they no longer need to invest in constructing and managing expensive on-site data centers.
Additionally, it allows businesses to focus on their core competencies rather than being burdened with IT maintenance tasks. One of the primary uses of external cloud services is data storage and management. This enables businesses to store vast amounts of data securely without demanding physical space or resources.
External clouds also offer versatility in deploying a range of applications and services, facilitating smooth operations and enhanced productivity. This flexibility extends to the ability to utilize specialized software and tools provided by cloud service providers, allowing companies to handle complex tasks with ease. In summary, external cloud services are invaluable for businesses seeking to optimize their operations, minimize costs, and harness the power of advanced technologies while ensuring continued scalability and adaptability.
Examples of External Cloud
Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is one of the most popular external cloud computing platforms worldwide, providing a variety of solutions for businesses and individuals. Services include data storage, computing power, and machine learning capabilities. Companies utilizing AWS include Netflix, Airbnb, and Unilever.
Microsoft Azure: Azure is another widely used external cloud computing platform that offers a range of services like data management, analytics, IoT integration, and artificial intelligence capabilities. Many enterprises, including BMW, Siemens, and Samsung, use Microsoft Azure to build, deploy, and manage applications across their global network.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP): GCP is Google’s suite of external cloud computing services that enables businesses to access storage, computing, and analytics solutions. Some of the companies making use of Google Cloud Platform are Snapchat, Spotify, and Coca-Cola. GCP provides tools, such as BigQuery and TensorFlow, for handling big data and machine learning workloads.
FAQ – External Cloud
What is an External Cloud?
An External Cloud is a type of cloud computing service that operates outside an organization’s firewall and is hosted by a third-party provider. This can include private, public, or hybrid cloud models. External clouds offer scalable computing resources, storage, and services, which are accessible via the internet.
What are the benefits of an External Cloud?
Some major benefits of an External Cloud include cost savings, increased scalability, access to the latest technology, reduced need for in-house IT infrastructure, effortless software updates, and enhanced security through expert management and monitoring.
What is the difference between External Cloud and Internal Cloud?
An External Cloud is a cloud computing service hosted by a third-party provider, whereas an Internal Cloud, also known as a private cloud or on-premises cloud, is hosted within an organization’s own data center. While External Clouds offer increased scalability and reduced cost, Internal Clouds provide better control over data and resources, as well as higher levels of security and customization for specific business needs.
How secure is an External Cloud?
External Cloud security relies on the measures taken by the cloud provider and their commitment to deploy advanced security protocols. Reputable external cloud providers invest heavily in security, with multiple layers of protection and sophisticated monitoring systems to ensure data privacy and protection from cyber threats. However, it is essential for organizations to use strong authentication methods and follow best practices for data encryption and security.
What are some common External Cloud services?
Some popular External Cloud services include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Platform as a Service (PaaS) like Microsoft Azure, and Software as a Service (SaaS) like Salesforce and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Related Technology Terms
- Public Cloud Services
- Data Security
- Multi-Tenancy
- Cloud Management Platforms
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
