Transition to Cloud Technology | By Manasvi Agarwal & Divya Singh

You might have come across the word ‘clouds’ quite a few times. But exactly what is the cloud? And why clouds?

When we use the cloud, it’s like having an extra hard drive that can be accessed from anywhere and anytime we are connected to the internet. When we say anything is saved in the cloud, we imply it is saved on an internet server rather than on our computers. We can access our files from anywhere by using cloud-based apps. Web Apps are programmes that operate in computer web browsers and can be installed on a device. For example, Google Docs is a cloud-based app that allows us to view, create, and edit various sorts of projects. Google Docs may be accessed from nearly any device that has an internet connection. Storing data on the cloud is an excellent method to safeguard them against accidents, viruses, and other threats. When we save data on the cloud, we don't have to worry about losing it due to a computer malfunction.

The usage of cloud storage by businesses and consumers has exploded in recent years, with Gartner estimating that government spending on cloud services would reach $482 billion in 2022, up 23% from 2020. Hybrid business models, fintech, and virtualized systems have all benefited from the cloud. Cloud computing accelerated in 2020 and 2021 as industries adapted to the pandemic by focusing on digital services as work shifted to virtual mode. Netflix, Apple, Instagram, Etsy, Xerox, and Pinterest have all embraced cloud computing , demonstrating that we need to broaden our understanding of how important it can be. We will undoubtedly witness further growth in 2022.

Certain services and models are working behind the scene making cloud computing feasible and accessible to end-users. Following are the working models for cloud computing: DEPLOYMENT MODEL and SERVICE MODELS.

Deployment models determine the look of the Cloud infrastructure, changes that can be made and services provided. It identifies the unique sort of cloud environment based on ownership, size, accessibility, as well as the cloud's nature and purpose. Cloud access is of four types: public, private, hybrid, or community. The public cloud makes systems and services available to the entire public. Because of its openness, the public cloud, such as e-mails, are less secure. The private cloud makes it possible for systems and services to be accessed within an enterprise. Because of its private character, it provides enhanced security. The Community Cloud enables a group of organisations to access systems and services. The Hybrid Cloud is a hybrid of public and private cloud computing. However, important operations are carried out in the private cloud, while non-critical activities are carried out in the public cloud.

Service Models are the reference models on which cloud computing is based. Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) are the three types of cloud computing services. SaaS, which is mainly used by small businesses, allows customers to access internet-hosted computer software through a browser with limited control rather than through conventional apps installed on their servers. Web-based mail service is an example of a SaaS. IaaS is frequently used to refer to the purchase or lease of computer processing power and disc space from a third-party supplier, allowing us to connect to the server through a private network or the internet. IaaS services include Amazon EC2, Rackspace, and Windows Azure. PaaS is a hybrid service that combines SaaS and IaaS. PaaS provides you with more control over the technical components of your computer system and the flexibility to tailor it to your specific requirements. PaaS services include Salesforce, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Heroku, Google App Engine (GAE), and OpenShift. Cloud computing offers numerous benefits to a business. It allows us to connect to the business anytime, anywhere by enabling us to build up what is a virtual office.

Benefits of Cloud Computing:

Using cloud computing to manage and maintain our IT systems might reduce its cost. Instead of purchasing expensive frameworks and equipment for our organisation, costs can be decreased by using the resources of cloud computing service providers. Due to system updates, new hardware and software can be covered by the contract and there is no need for expert personnel. Users can quickly scale up or down their operations and capacity requirements to meet demand, allowing them to adjust as their needs change. Instead of acquiring and implementing costly updates, cloud computing service providers handle them. Utilizing the cloud helps customers to concentrate on operating their businesses rather than worrying about technology.

Securing data and frameworks is a critical component of business continuity planning. Data stored in the cloud is backed up and kept in a secure and safe location, regardless of a natural disaster, power loss, or other crisis. The ability to quickly access data allows businesses to continue operating as usual, minimising downtime and loss of efficiency.

Collaboration in a cloud environment allows us to interact and share more efficiently compared to conventional strategies. Working on a venture in different locations may utilize cloud computing to help representatives, temporary workers and third parties access the same records. The cloud computing technique also enables quick and secure data sharing with advisers.

Cloud computing enables employees to be more versatile in their work habits. They can access data from any location having internet connectivity, they can quickly and easily connect to their virtual office if they need to view their data while off-site. Depending on the cloud computing service provider, the system will be regularly updated with the latest technology.

Risks associated with Cloud Computing:

Before considering cloud computing technology as best, it is critical to examine the challenges and risks associated with cloud transition.

Data deletion concerns arise when customers have less ability to verify that their data has been securely deleted since the data is spread over different storage devices inside the Cloud Solution Providers(CSP) infrastructure in a multi-tenancy environment. Furthermore, if an attacker gains access to a user's cloud credentials, the attacker can utilise the CSP's services to gain access to the agency's systems or data using those credentials, and then target the organization's assets. Customer data can be permanently lost if the cloud service provider deletes it by mistake, if a physical disaster happens, or if a client encrypts it before uploading it to the cloud but loses the encryption key. In addition, a lack of understanding of a CSP's storage mechanism may result in data loss. This danger increases when a firm uses more CSP services.

Insufficient due diligence raises cybersecurity risks. When it comes to cloud transition, many businesses frequently fail to conduct adequate due diligence. They move data to the cloud without fully comprehending the magnitude of the change, the CSP's security protocols, and their responsibility to guarantee security. They make decisions to use cloud services without fully understanding the security needs.

Exploiting system and software vulnerabilities in a CSP's infrastructure, platforms, or applications that support multi-tenancy may result in tenant separation failure. An attacker can leverage this flaw to gain access to assets or data belonging to another individual or organisation. If the separation mechanisms fail, multi-tenancy expands the attack surface and raises the danger of data leakage.

Insiders who misuse their authorised access to the organization's or CSP's networks, systems, and data, such as personnel and administrators for both corporations and CSPs, are well-positioned to inflict damage or exfiltrate information. When using IaaS, the effect is likely to be worse since an insider can give resources or engage in malicious actions that require forensics to uncover. With cloud resources, these forensic skills may not be available.

CONCLUSION:

No doubt, cloud computing is the most significant technological advancement of 2021. It is quickly becoming the technology of choice for driving the app-based technology ecosystem across sectors. Every industry, from healthcare to education, manufacturing to gaming, is carrying its IT infrastructure towards cloud technology. As the pandemic reshuffles the world and businesses, organisations are realigning their digital strategy. Companies that were previously resistant to new technology are now accelerating their use of cloud services. Leaders in the industry, such as IBM, Google, and Microsoft have provided their initiatives in promoting the cloud. Cloud is the next-generation technology, and many IT businesses are developing their versions of it. It is adaptable so that it may be utilized by everyone. Despite interruptions, the cloud computing industry has been able to maintain a significant rise in demand due to its features like cost effectiveness, enhanced scalability. However, because digital transformation is a continuous process, businesses must view cloud adoption as a journey rather than a destination.