According to Statista, the U.S. cloud computing industry generated about $206 billion in revenue in 2022. Expand that globally, and the industry has a value of $483.98 billion. Growth is on the horizon, too, with Grand View Research stating that the various types of cloud computing will achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1% between 2023 and 2030.
The simple message is that cloud computing applications are big business.
But that won’t mean much to you if you don’t understand the basics of cloud computing infrastructure and how it all works. This article digs into the cloud computing basics so you can better understand what it means to deliver services via the cloud.
The Cloud Computing Definition
Let’s answer the key question immediately – what is cloud computing?
Microsoft defines cloud computing as the delivery of any form of computing services, such as storage or software, over the internet. Taking software as an example, cloud computing allows you to use a company’s software online rather than having to buy it as a standalone package that you install locally on your computer.
For the super dry definition, cloud computing is a model of computing that provides shared computer processing resources and data to computers and other devices on demand over the internet.
Cloud Computing Meaning
Though the cloud computing basics are pretty easy to grasp – you get services over the internet – what it means in a practical context is less clear.
In the past, businesses and individuals needed to buy and install software locally on their computers or servers. This is the typical ownership model. You hand over your money for a physical product, which you can use as you see fit.
You don’t purchase a physical product when using software via the cloud. You also don’t install that product, whatever it may be, physically on your computer. Instead, you receive the services managed directly by the provider, be they storage, software, analytics, or networking, over the internet. You (and your team) usually install a client that connects to the vendor’s servers, which contain all the necessary computational, processing, and storage power.
What Is Cloud Computing With Examples?
Perhaps a better way to understand the concept is with some cloud computing examples. These should give you an idea of what cloud computing looks like in practice:
- Google Drive – By integrating the Google Docs suite and its collaborative tools, Google Drive lets you create, save, edit, and share files remotely via the internet.
- Dropbox – The biggest name in cloud storage offers a pay-as-you-use service that enables you to increase your available storage space (or decrease it) depending on your needs.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) – Built specifically for coders and programmers, AWS offers access to off-site remote servers.
- Microsoft Azure – Microsoft markets Azure as the only “consistent hybrid cloud.” This means Azure allows a company to digitize and modernize their existing infrastructure and make it available over the cloud.
- IBM Cloud – This service incorporates over 170 services, ranging from simple databases to the cloud servers needed to run AI programs.
- Salesforce – As the biggest name in the customer relationship management space, Salesforce is one of the biggest cloud computing companies. At the most basic level, it lets you maintain databases filled with details about your customers.
Common Cloud Computing Applications
Knowing what cloud computing is won’t help you much if you don’t understand its use cases. Here are a few ways you could use the cloud to enhance your work or personal life:
- Host websites without needing to keep on-site servers.
- Store files and data remotely, as you would with Dropbox or Salesforce. Most of these providers also provide backup services for disaster recovery.
- Recover lost data with off-site storage facilities that update themselves in real-time.
- Manage a product’s entire development cycle across one workflow, leading to easier bug tracking and fixing alongside quality assurance testing.
- Collaborate easily using platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, which allow workers to combine forces on projects as long as they maintain an internet connection.
- Stream media, especially high-definition video, with cloud setups that provide the resources that an individual may not have built into a single device.
The Basics of Cloud Computing
With the general introduction to cloud computing and its applications out of the way, let’s get down to the technical side. The basics of cloud computing are split into five categories:
- Infrastructure
- Services
- Benefits
- Types
- Challenges
Cloud Infrastructure
The interesting thing about cloud infrastructure is that it simulates a physical build. You’re still using the same hardware and applications. Servers are in play, as is networking. But you don’t have the physical hardware at your location because it’s all off-site and stored, maintained, and updated by the cloud provider. You get access to the hardware, and the services it provides, via your internet connection.
So, you have no physical hardware to worry about besides the device you’ll use to access the cloud service.
Off-site servers handle storage, database management, and more. You’ll also have middleware in play, facilitating communication between your device and the cloud provider’s servers. That middleware checks your internet connection and access rights. Think of it like a bridge that connects seemingly disparate pieces of software so they can function seamlessly on a system.
Services
Cloud services are split into three categories:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
In a traditional IT setup, you have computers, servers, data centers, and networking hardware all combined to keep the front-end systems (i.e., your computers) running. Buying and maintaining that hardware is a huge cost burden for a business.
IaaS offers access to IT infrastructure, with scalability being a critical component, without forcing an IT department to invest in costly hardware. Instead, you can access it all via an internet connection, allowing you to virtualize traditionally physical setups.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Imagine having access to an entire IT infrastructure without worrying about all the little tasks that come with it, such as maintenance and software patching. After all, those small tasks build up, which is why the average small business spends an average of 6.9% of its revenue on dealing with IT systems each year.
PaaS reduces those costs significantly by giving you access to cloud services that manage maintenance and patching via the internet. On the simplest level, this may involve automating software updates so you don’t have to manually check when software is out of date.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
If you have a rudimentary understanding of cloud computing, the SaaS model is the one you are likely to understand the most. A cloud provider builds software and makes it available over the internet, with the user paying for access to that software in the form of a subscription. As long as you keep paying your monthly dues, you get access to the software and any updates or patches the service provider implements.
It’s with SaaS that we see the most obvious evolution of the traditional IT model. In the past, you’d pay a one-time fee to buy a piece of software off the shelf, which you then install and maintain yourself. SaaS gives you constant access to the software, its updates, and any new versions as long as you keep paying your subscription. Compare the standalone versions of Microsoft Office with Microsoft Office 365, especially in their range of options, tools, and overall costs.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
The traditional model of buying a thing and owning it worked for years. So, you may wonder why cloud computing services have overtaken traditional models, particularly on the software side of things. The reason is that cloud computing offers several advantages over the old ways of doing things:
- Cost savings – Cloud models allow companies to spread their spending over the course of a year. It’s the difference between spending $100 on a piece of software versus spending $10 per month to access it. Sure, the one-off fee ends up being less, but paying $10 per month doesn’t sting your bank balance as much.
- Scalability – Linking directly to cost savings, you don’t need to buy every element of a software to access the features you need when using cloud services. You pay for what you use and increase the money you spend as your business scales and you need deeper access.
- Mobility – Cloud computing allows you to access documents and services anywhere. Where before, you were tied to your computer desk if you wanted to check or edit a document, you can now access that document on almost any device.
- Flexibility – Tied closely to mobility, the flexibility that comes from cloud computing is great for users. Employees can head out into the field, access the services they need to serve customers, and send information back to in-house workers or a customer relationship management (CRM) system.
- Reliability – Owning physical hardware means having to deal with the many problems that can affect that hardware. Malfunctions, viruses, and human error can all compromise a network. Cloud service providers offer reliability based on in-depth expertise and more resources dedicated to their hardware setups.
- Security – The done-for-you aspect of cloud computing, particularly concerning maintenance and updates, means one less thing for a business to worry about. It also absorbs some of the costs of hardware and IT maintenance personnel.
Types of Cloud Computing
The types of cloud computing are as follows:
- Public Cloud – The cloud provider manages all hardware and software related to the service it provides to users.
- Private Cloud – An organization develops its suite of services, all managed via the cloud but only accessible to group members.
- Hybrid Cloud – Combines a public cloud with on-premises infrastructure, allowing applications to move between each.
- Community Cloud – While the community cloud has many similarities to a public cloud, it’s restricted to only servicing a limited number of users. For example, a banking service may only get offered to the banking community.
Challenges of Cloud Computing
Many a detractor of cloud computing notes that it isn’t as issue-proof as it may seem. The challenges of cloud computing may outweigh its benefits for some:
- Security issues related to cloud computing include data privacy, with cloud providers obtaining access to any sensitive information you store on their servers.
- As more services switch over to the cloud, managing the costs related to every subscription you have can feel like trying to navigate a spider’s web of software.
- Just because you’re using a cloud-based service, that doesn’t mean said service handles compliance for you.
- If you don’t perfectly follow a vendor’s terms of service, they can restrict your access to their cloud services remotely. You don’t own anything.
- You can’t do anything if a service provider’s servers go down. You have to wait for them to fix the issue, leaving you stuck without access to the software for which you’re paying.
- You can’t call a third party to resolve an issue your systems encounter with the cloud service because the provider is the only one responsible for their product.
- Changing cloud providers and migrating data can be challenging, so even if one provider doesn’t work well, companies may hesitate to look for other options due to sunk costs.
Cloud Computing Is the Present and Future
For all of the challenges inherent in the cloud computing model, it’s clear that it isn’t going anywhere. Techjury tells us that about 57% of companies moved, or were in the process of moving, their workloads to cloud services in 2022.
That number will only increase as cloud computing grows and develops.
So, let’s leave you with a short note on cloud computing. It’s the latest step in the constant evolution of how tech companies offer their services to users. Questions of ownership aside, it’s a model that students, entrepreneurs, and everyday people must understand.
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From the same author
Read the articleAccording to Statista, the U.S. cloud computing industry generated about $206 billion in revenue in 2022. Expand that globally, and the industry has a value of $483.98 billion. Growth is on the horizon, too, with Grand View Research stating that the various types of cloud computing will achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1% between 2023 and 2030.
The simple message is that cloud computing applications are big business.
But that won’t mean much to you if you don’t understand the basics of cloud computing infrastructure and how it all works. This article digs into the cloud computing basics so you can better understand what it means to deliver services via the cloud.
The Cloud Computing Definition
Let’s answer the key question immediately – what is cloud computing?
Microsoft defines cloud computing as the delivery of any form of computing services, such as storage or software, over the internet. Taking software as an example, cloud computing allows you to use a company’s software online rather than having to buy it as a standalone package that you install locally on your computer.
For the super dry definition, cloud computing is a model of computing that provides shared computer processing resources and data to computers and other devices on demand over the internet.
Cloud Computing Meaning
Though the cloud computing basics are pretty easy to grasp – you get services over the internet – what it means in a practical context is less clear.
In the past, businesses and individuals needed to buy and install software locally on their computers or servers. This is the typical ownership model. You hand over your money for a physical product, which you can use as you see fit.
You don’t purchase a physical product when using software via the cloud. You also don’t install that product, whatever it may be, physically on your computer. Instead, you receive the services managed directly by the provider, be they storage, software, analytics, or networking, over the internet. You (and your team) usually install a client that connects to the vendor’s servers, which contain all the necessary computational, processing, and storage power.
What Is Cloud Computing With Examples?
Perhaps a better way to understand the concept is with some cloud computing examples. These should give you an idea of what cloud computing looks like in practice:
- Google Drive – By integrating the Google Docs suite and its collaborative tools, Google Drive lets you create, save, edit, and share files remotely via the internet.
- Dropbox – The biggest name in cloud storage offers a pay-as-you-use service that enables you to increase your available storage space (or decrease it) depending on your needs.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) – Built specifically for coders and programmers, AWS offers access to off-site remote servers.
- Microsoft Azure – Microsoft markets Azure as the only “consistent hybrid cloud.” This means Azure allows a company to digitize and modernize their existing infrastructure and make it available over the cloud.
- IBM Cloud – This service incorporates over 170 services, ranging from simple databases to the cloud servers needed to run AI programs.
- Salesforce – As the biggest name in the customer relationship management space, Salesforce is one of the biggest cloud computing companies. At the most basic level, it lets you maintain databases filled with details about your customers.
Common Cloud Computing Applications
Knowing what cloud computing is won’t help you much if you don’t understand its use cases. Here are a few ways you could use the cloud to enhance your work or personal life:
- Host websites without needing to keep on-site servers.
- Store files and data remotely, as you would with Dropbox or Salesforce. Most of these providers also provide backup services for disaster recovery.
- Recover lost data with off-site storage facilities that update themselves in real-time.
- Manage a product’s entire development cycle across one workflow, leading to easier bug tracking and fixing alongside quality assurance testing.
- Collaborate easily using platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, which allow workers to combine forces on projects as long as they maintain an internet connection.
- Stream media, especially high-definition video, with cloud setups that provide the resources that an individual may not have built into a single device.
The Basics of Cloud Computing
With the general introduction to cloud computing and its applications out of the way, let’s get down to the technical side. The basics of cloud computing are split into five categories:
- Infrastructure
- Services
- Benefits
- Types
- Challenges
Cloud Infrastructure
The interesting thing about cloud infrastructure is that it simulates a physical build. You’re still using the same hardware and applications. Servers are in play, as is networking. But you don’t have the physical hardware at your location because it’s all off-site and stored, maintained, and updated by the cloud provider. You get access to the hardware, and the services it provides, via your internet connection.
So, you have no physical hardware to worry about besides the device you’ll use to access the cloud service.
Off-site servers handle storage, database management, and more. You’ll also have middleware in play, facilitating communication between your device and the cloud provider’s servers. That middleware checks your internet connection and access rights. Think of it like a bridge that connects seemingly disparate pieces of software so they can function seamlessly on a system.
Services
Cloud services are split into three categories:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
In a traditional IT setup, you have computers, servers, data centers, and networking hardware all combined to keep the front-end systems (i.e., your computers) running. Buying and maintaining that hardware is a huge cost burden for a business.
IaaS offers access to IT infrastructure, with scalability being a critical component, without forcing an IT department to invest in costly hardware. Instead, you can access it all via an internet connection, allowing you to virtualize traditionally physical setups.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Imagine having access to an entire IT infrastructure without worrying about all the little tasks that come with it, such as maintenance and software patching. After all, those small tasks build up, which is why the average small business spends an average of 6.9% of its revenue on dealing with IT systems each year.
PaaS reduces those costs significantly by giving you access to cloud services that manage maintenance and patching via the internet. On the simplest level, this may involve automating software updates so you don’t have to manually check when software is out of date.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
If you have a rudimentary understanding of cloud computing, the SaaS model is the one you are likely to understand the most. A cloud provider builds software and makes it available over the internet, with the user paying for access to that software in the form of a subscription. As long as you keep paying your monthly dues, you get access to the software and any updates or patches the service provider implements.
It’s with SaaS that we see the most obvious evolution of the traditional IT model. In the past, you’d pay a one-time fee to buy a piece of software off the shelf, which you then install and maintain yourself. SaaS gives you constant access to the software, its updates, and any new versions as long as you keep paying your subscription. Compare the standalone versions of Microsoft Office with Microsoft Office 365, especially in their range of options, tools, and overall costs.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
The traditional model of buying a thing and owning it worked for years. So, you may wonder why cloud computing services have overtaken traditional models, particularly on the software side of things. The reason is that cloud computing offers several advantages over the old ways of doing things:
- Cost savings – Cloud models allow companies to spread their spending over the course of a year. It’s the difference between spending $100 on a piece of software versus spending $10 per month to access it. Sure, the one-off fee ends up being less, but paying $10 per month doesn’t sting your bank balance as much.
- Scalability – Linking directly to cost savings, you don’t need to buy every element of a software to access the features you need when using cloud services. You pay for what you use and increase the money you spend as your business scales and you need deeper access.
- Mobility – Cloud computing allows you to access documents and services anywhere. Where before, you were tied to your computer desk if you wanted to check or edit a document, you can now access that document on almost any device.
- Flexibility – Tied closely to mobility, the flexibility that comes from cloud computing is great for users. Employees can head out into the field, access the services they need to serve customers, and send information back to in-house workers or a customer relationship management (CRM) system.
- Reliability – Owning physical hardware means having to deal with the many problems that can affect that hardware. Malfunctions, viruses, and human error can all compromise a network. Cloud service providers offer reliability based on in-depth expertise and more resources dedicated to their hardware setups.
- Security – The done-for-you aspect of cloud computing, particularly concerning maintenance and updates, means one less thing for a business to worry about. It also absorbs some of the costs of hardware and IT maintenance personnel.
Types of Cloud Computing
The types of cloud computing are as follows:
- Public Cloud – The cloud provider manages all hardware and software related to the service it provides to users.
- Private Cloud – An organization develops its suite of services, all managed via the cloud but only accessible to group members.
- Hybrid Cloud – Combines a public cloud with on-premises infrastructure, allowing applications to move between each.
- Community Cloud – While the community cloud has many similarities to a public cloud, it’s restricted to only servicing a limited number of users. For example, a banking service may only get offered to the banking community.
Challenges of Cloud Computing
Many a detractor of cloud computing notes that it isn’t as issue-proof as it may seem. The challenges of cloud computing may outweigh its benefits for some:
- Security issues related to cloud computing include data privacy, with cloud providers obtaining access to any sensitive information you store on their servers.
- As more services switch over to the cloud, managing the costs related to every subscription you have can feel like trying to navigate a spider’s web of software.
- Just because you’re using a cloud-based service, that doesn’t mean said service handles compliance for you.
- If you don’t perfectly follow a vendor’s terms of service, they can restrict your access to their cloud services remotely. You don’t own anything.
- You can’t do anything if a service provider’s servers go down. You have to wait for them to fix the issue, leaving you stuck without access to the software for which you’re paying.
- You can’t call a third party to resolve an issue your systems encounter with the cloud service because the provider is the only one responsible for their product.
- Changing cloud providers and migrating data can be challenging, so even if one provider doesn’t work well, companies may hesitate to look for other options due to sunk costs.
Cloud Computing Is the Present and Future
For all of the challenges inherent in the cloud computing model, it’s clear that it isn’t going anywhere. Techjury tells us that about 57% of companies moved, or were in the process of moving, their workloads to cloud services in 2022.
That number will only increase as cloud computing grows and develops.
So, let’s leave you with a short note on cloud computing. It’s the latest step in the constant evolution of how tech companies offer their services to users. Questions of ownership aside, it’s a model that students, entrepreneurs, and everyday people must understand.
Read the articleIt’s hard to find a person who uses the internet but doesn’t enjoy at least one cloud computing service. “Cloud computing” sounds complex, but it’s actually all around you. The term encompasses every tool, app, and service that’s delivered via the internet.
The two popular examples are Dropbox and Google Drive. These cloud-based storage spaces allow you to keep your files at arm’s reach and access them in a few clicks. Zoom is also a cloud-based service – it makes communication a breeze.
Cloud computing can be classified into four types: public, private, hybrid, and community. These four types belong to one of the three cloud computing service models: infrastructure as a service, platform as a service, or software as a service.
It’s time to don a detective cap and explore the mystery hidden behind cloud computing.
Cloud Computing Deployment Models
- Public cloud
- Private cloud
- Hybrid cloud
- Community cloud
Public Cloud
The “public” in public cloud means anyone who wants to use that service can get it. Public clouds are easy to access and usually have a “general” purpose many can benefit from.
It’s important to mention that with public clouds, the infrastructure is owned by the service provider, not by consumers. This means you can’t “purchase” a public cloud service forever.
Advantages of Public Cloud
- Cost-effectiveness – Some public clouds are free. Those that aren’t free typically have a reasonable fee.
- Scalability – Public clouds are accommodating to changing demands. Depending on the cloud’s nature, you can easily add or remove users, upgrade plans, or manipulate storage space.
- Flexibility – Public clouds are suitable for many things, from storing a few files temporarily to backing up an entire company’s records.
Disadvantages of Public Cloud
- Security concerns – Since anyone can access public clouds, you can’t be sure your data is 100% safe.
- Limited customization – While public clouds offer many options, they don’t really allow you to tailor the environment to match your preferences. They’re made to suit broad masses, not particular individuals.
Examples of Public Cloud Providers
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud Platform
Private Cloud
If you’re looking for the complete opposite of public clouds, you’ve found it. Private clouds aren’t designed to fit general criteria. Instead, they’re made to please a single user. Some of the perks private clouds offer are exclusive access, exceptional security, and unmatched customization.
A private cloud is like a single-tenant building. The tenant owns the building and has complete control to do whatever they want. They can tear down walls, drill holes to hang pictures, paint the rooms, install tiles, and get new furniture. When needs change, the tenant can redecorate, no questions asked.
Advantages of Private Cloud
- Enhanced security – The company’s IT department oversees private clouds. They’re usually protected by powerful firewalls and protocols that minimize the risk of information breaches.
- Greater control and customization – Since private clouds are one-on-one environments, you can match them to your needs.
- Improved performance – Private clouds can have functions that suit your organization to the letter, resulting in high performance.
Disadvantages of Private Cloud
- Higher costs – The exclusive access and customization come at a cost (literally).
- Limited scalability – You can scale private clouds, but only up to a certain point.
Examples of Private Cloud Providers
- VMware
- IBM Cloud
- Dell EMC
Hybrid Cloud
Public and private clouds have a few important drawbacks that may be deal-breakers for some people. You may want to use public clouds but aren’t ready to compromise on security. On the other hand, you may want the perks that come with private clouds but aren’t happy with limited scalability.
That’s when hybrid clouds come into play because they let you get the best of both worlds. They’re the perfect mix of public and private clouds and offer their best features. You can get the affordability of public clouds and the security of private clouds.
Advantages of Hybrid Cloud
- Flexibility and scalability – Hybrid clouds are personalized environments, meaning you can adjust them to meet your specific needs. If your needs change, hybrid clouds can keep up.
- Security and compliance – You don’t have to worry about data breaches or intruders with hybrid clouds. They use state-of-the-art measures to guarantee safety, privacy, and security.
- Cost optimization – Hybrid clouds are much more affordable than private ones. You’ll need to pay extra only if you want special features.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Cloud
- Complexity in management – Since they combine public and private clouds, hybrid clouds are complex systems that aren’t really easy to manage.
- Potential security risks – Hybrid clouds aren’t as secure as private clouds.
Examples of Hybrid Cloud Providers
- Microsoft Azure Stack
- AWS Outputs
- Google Anthos
Community Cloud
Community clouds are shared by more than one organization. The organizations themselves manage them or a third party. In terms of security, community clouds fall somewhere between private and public clouds. The same goes for their price.
Advantages of Community Cloud
- Shared resources and costs – A community cloud is like a common virtual space for several organizations. By sharing the space, the organizations also share costs and resources.
- Enhanced security and compliance – Community clouds are more secure than public clouds.
- Collaboration opportunities – Cloud sharing often encourages organizations to collaborate on different projects.
Disadvantages of Community Cloud
- Limited scalability – Community clouds are scalable, but only to a certain point.
- Dependency on other organizations – As much as sharing a cloud with another organization(s) sounds exciting (and cost-effective), it means you’ll depend on them.
Examples of Community Cloud Providers
- Salesforce Community Cloud
- Rackspace
- IBM Cloud for Government
Cloud Computing Service Models
There are three types of cloud computing service models:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
IaaS
IaaS is a type of pay-as-you-go, third-party service. In this case, the provider gives you an opportunity to enjoy infrastructure services for your networking equipment, databases, devices, etc. You can get services like virtualization and storage and build a strong IT platform with exceptional security.
IaaS models give you the flexibility to create an environment that suits your organization. Plus, they allow remote access and cost-effectiveness.
What about their drawbacks? The biggest issue could be security, especially in multi-tenant ecosystems. You can mitigate security risks by opting for a reputable provider like AWS or Microsoft (Azure).
PaaS
Here, the provider doesn’t deliver the entire infrastructure to a user. Instead, it hosts software and hardware on its own infrastructure, delivering only the “finished product.” The user enjoys this through a platform, which can exist in the form of a solution stack, integrated solution, or an internet-dependent service.
Programmers and developers are among the biggest fans of PaaS. This service model enables them to work on apps and programs without dealing with maintaining complex infrastructures. An important advantage of PaaS is accessibility – users can enjoy it through their web browser.
As far as disadvantages go, the lack of customizability may be a big one. Since you don’t have control over the infrastructure, you can’t really make adjustments to suit your needs. Another potential drawback is that PaaS depends on the provider, so if they’re experiencing problems, you could too.
Some examples of PaaS are Heroku and AWS Elastic Beanstalk.
SaaS
Last but not least is SaaS. Thanks to this computing service model, users can access different software apps using the internet. SaaS is the holy grail for small businesses that don’t have the budget, bandwidth, workforce, or will to install and maintain software. Instead, they leave this work to the providers and enjoy only the “fun” parts.
The biggest advantage of SaaS is that it allows easy access to apps from anywhere. You’ll have no trouble using SaaS as long as you have internet. Plus, it saves a lot of money and time.
Nothing’s perfect, and SaaS is no exception. If you want to use SaaS without interruptions, you need to have a stable internet connection. Plus, with SaaS, you don’t have as much control over the software’s performance and security. Therefore, you need to decide on your priorities. SaaS may not be the best option if you want a highly-customizable environment with exceptional security.
The most popular examples of SaaS are Dropbox, Google Apps, and Salesforce.
Sit on the Right Cloud
Are high security and appealing customization features your priority? Or are you on the hunt for a cost-effective solution? Your answers can indicate which cloud deployment model you should choose.
It’s important to understand that models are not divided into “good” and “bad.” Each has unique characteristics that can be beneficial and detrimental at the same time. If you don’t know how to employ a particular model, you won’t be able to reap its benefits.
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More and more students are turning to careers in computer science, and it’s easy to see why. The world is becoming increasingly reliant on and powered by modern technology with every passing day.
Emerging innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are set to change the face of countless industries. This means qualifications in computer science unlock the doors to countless job opportunities.
However, this is also a dynamic and rapidly changing field – a field that demands a distinct set of core skills to not only achieve success, but also future-proof your career for years to come.
The Importance and Value of Computer Science and Cloud Computing Qualifications
Official statistics show that the European cloud computing market is set to experience an astonishing compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 23% in the coming years, moving from a value of €110 billion in 2024 to a lower-end estimate €250 billion by 2028, and it won’t stop there.
The same sort of growth is being seen across the full spectrum of computer science fields and industries, with emerging technologies like AI, automation, and edge computing all spearheading the surging value and importance of these sectors.
The increasing shift away from conventional computing towards cloud computing shows just how quickly the technological world changes and evolves. It also demonstrates the need for professionals with a wide and varied range of skills, plus the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations.
Those who can bring these skills to the table, supported by a comprehensive education and effective computer science qualifications, can enjoy:
- Entry into job markets that have exceptionally high levels of demand.
- Diverse career opportunities in fields that range from AI and machine learning to computer engineering and software development.
- Competitive salaries, with consistently high rates offered all around the world.
- Job security and stability, given the ever-increasing significance of technology in the modern world.
Core Skills to Master for Long Careers in Computer Science
Next, let’s look into the actual specific skills that computer science students and aspiring leaders will need to master to secure their futures.
Programming Languages
Being able to work with code is the bedrock of almost any career in computer science. Aspiring scientists will need to master one or several programming languages, including Java for building business and web apps, Python for web development, and C++ for system programming.
Networks and Architectures
Computer scientists also need a strong core knowledge of the fundamentals of the computing world, like how networks function, the various protocols and architectures that control the flow of data from device to device, etc.
Algorithms and Data
Algorithms play a fundamental role in fields like AI and machine learning, so computer scientists must understand how different algorithms and data structures drive computing processes, problem-solving, and development.
Software Development
Computer scientists may spend much of their time working on development projects post-graduation, which may include apps for the web, business, mobile, and more. A strong understanding of the stages of the software development lifecycle and processes involved is, therefore, essential.
Cloud Computing
With cloud computing growing in importance, unlocking whole new fields, like software as a service (SaaS) and desktop as a service (DaaS), the computer scientists of tomorrow will also need to have intricate knowledge of how cloud computing works and the potential it holds.
Soft Skills
Along with the many technical skills listed above, computer scientists will also benefit from vital soft skills that will help them when collaborating with others, presenting their ideas, driving innovation in their chosen fields, leading teams, and managing projects. These skills include:
- Being able to communicate effectively, both with fellow computer scientists and non-technical audiences as well
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that help scientists understand and respond to challenges
- Adaptability, so that scientists can keep on learning, evolving their skill sets, and embracing new tech and ideas as they emerge
- The ability to work as part of a team, often fundamental for large-scale computing projects
- Attention to detail that allows you to spot that single line of code that needs fixing, or for tasks like debugging and data interpretation
Get the Best Start With a BSc in Computer Science at OPIT
We’ve seen the skills you need to succeed in computer science and cloud computing for years to come, but one question remains: where is the best place to gain these skills and acquire the necessary knowledge for genuine long-term success?
The answer: the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT).
An exclusively online learning platform specializing in computer science and digital business, OPIT offers a curated collection of online degrees for tomorrow’s technology leaders, including a Foundation Program for beginners, bachelor’s programs, and master’s degrees for the most experienced students.
Why Study at OPIT?
Advantages of studying with OPIT include:
- Accessible and flexible online learning to suit your needs and pace
- A focus on real-world applications of the skills and knowledge imparted
- A leading team of top tutors and professors from diverse fields and nations
- An international community of students with which to collaborate
- Progressive assessment of skills and knowledge, as opposed to exam-heavy schedules
Those planning pathways into computer science and cloud computing are best served by OPIT’s BSc in Computer Science program.
Lasting six terms and worth 180 ECTS credits, this fully remote, online, and accredited undergraduate degree was developed with insights from industry leaders, academics, and employers within the IT industry.
It equips graduates with both the fundamental theoretical knowledge they need to succeed in technology, as well as the practical skills required to enter the world of work and immediately innovate in fields like programming, cybersecurity, data science, AI, and cloud computing.
Like other courses and programs available at OPIT, this BSc in Computer Science provides students with a flexible learning program involving a mixture of recorded and engaging live content, progressive assessment, fast-track options for those who study at a faster pace, and round-the-clock accessibility to tutors and fellow learners.
If you feel that computer science or cloud computing is the right path for you, and you want to secure the foundational skills you need to succeed, consider the OPIT BSc in Computer Science to help you achieve your dreams.
On September 8, 2025, the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) officially inaugurated its 2025/26 academic year, welcoming a whole host of new students into the institute, ready to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be the tech industry leaders of tomorrow.
Faculty members, guest speakers from around the world, and hundreds of students from over 100 nations were all in attendance at the online inauguration event. Among them was one new student on the MSc in Responsible AI program: Rem Lampa, also known by his online alias, Kuya Dev.
A Filipino podcaster, speaker, and developer, Kuya Dev documented the inauguration experience in a YouTube video, sharing his thoughts on the event. Here’s a detailed look at his experience, showing the welcoming and effective way in which new OPIT students are brought into the institute from the first day.
An Overview of the Inauguration Event
The latest OPIT inauguration event was one to remember, with the institute celebrating several notable milestones. These included the first graduation of the MSc in Applied Data Science and AI program, and the unveiling of new industry connections and corporate partners offering opportunities for graduates.
Various guest speakers were in attendance, including the former Italian Minister of Education and current OPIT Rector, Professor Francesco Profumo, plus the CEO of Malta’s accreditation authority MFHEA, Dr. Rose Anne Cuschieri.
OPIT founder, Riccardo Ocleppo, also took to the stage to highlight the transformative role of education and the unique possibilities offered by the online-only OPIT degrees, stating:
“When we launched OPIT in 2022, we wanted to prove that an online degree could be rigorous, international, deeply connected to the world of work, and engaging. Three years later, we can already see results. This year alone, 300 new students are joining us, representing 98 nationalities.”
Those hundreds of new students were also, naturally, in attendance for their big inauguration day, welcomed into the institute’s various BSc and MSc programs in specialties like Computer Science, Digital Business, Digital Business and Innovation, and Cybersecurity.
Introducing Rem ‘Kuya Dev’ Lampa
As mentioned, one of the new students joining was vlogger and podcaster, Kuya Dev.
Already boasting extensive experience and technical expertise in the computing world, Kuya Dev has founded several tech communities, including Tech Career Shifter Philippines and Server-Side JavaScript.
He describes himself as an advocate for responsible AI and tech practices, and once gave a powerful TEDx talk about the negative potential impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), including its large carbon footprint and involving exploitation of workers in emerging nations. So, it was only fitting that he signed up for OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI.
The MSc in Responsible AI Program
A postgraduate program lasting three or four terms (between 12 and 24 months, total), OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI is an accredited program that combines technical skills with a core focus on the ethical implications of AI technology.
It explores real-world use cases of AI and ways in which this exciting and powerful technology can be used responsibly and sustainably, emphasizing its potential for both positive and negative change in areas such as the environment and society as a whole.
Students of this program enjoy all the usual benefits that come with studying at OPIT, like flexible-paced learning, tutors available on a daily basis, a dynamic and engaging online learning environment, and fair, progressive assessments over time.
Those who graduate can move into careers in AI Application Development, AI Research, and AI Business Consulting.
Highlights and Impressions of Kuya Dev’s Inauguration Experience
Inauguration is always a special moment in any student’s academic journey as they take their first tentative yet exciting steps towards new knowledge and skills that can unlock their potential and accelerate their development.
It can even be a “make-or-break” moment in which students can either feel welcomed, empowered, and eager to begin their studies, or, conversely, experience feelings of worry, doubt, or regret if the inauguration lacks the spark they were hoping to feel.
Fortunately, Kuya Dev and his many fellow new OPIT students had a very positive experience at the inauguration event, with the vlogger calling it both “very fruitful” and “very insightful.” Some of the specific highlights he mentioned included:
An International Community
Early in the inauguration event, Kuya Dev heard from Professor Francesco Profumo about how OPIT was welcoming students from over 90 countries.
This, for Kuya Dev and for so many other students, is one of the big perks of studying with OPIT. It allows students to meet, engage, and exchange with people from dozens of different backgrounds, cultures, and communities, learning new ways of thinking and collaborating.
Real World Applications
The OPIT inauguration also focused on another of the university’s key features: a focus not merely on imparting knowledge to students or making them memorize facts, figures, and theorems, but actually teaching them how to apply that knowledge and ideas to real-world uses.
Kuya Dev commented on how other universities that he had considered attending appeared more conventional and limited in their approach, and also shared his excitement and enthusiasm at OPIT’s unique approach, focusing more on genuine industry collaboration and real-life scenarios.
Inspiring Speakers
The vlogger and podcaster also commented on the various key speakers who hosted the event. He was pleased to see that they were not only academically oriented but also all had real-world experience and a diverse range of working backgrounds in fields like politics.
This, too, is part of what makes OPIT different. It features a winning team of international tutors, professors, and experts from diverse fields, including the aforementioned former Italian Education Minister, education executives, research chairs, digital content creation specialists, and more.
Graduate Experiences
Finally, Kuya Dev noted how several OPIT graduates spoke to those about to follow the same path they did, including students from nations as diverse as the U.S., Italy, and Nigeria.
They all shared their experiences and detailed what they enjoyed most about studying with OPIT, including key factors such as professors who took the time to get to know their students, as well as the depth of the topics and knowledge covered in each course.
A Successful First Step Into OPIT Education
All in all, the recent inauguration event was a major success for all involved, giving students like Kuya Dev the ideal introduction to life and study with OPIT. He, like so many of his new fellow students, left the event eager and excited to expand their knowledge and broaden their horizons in unique ways that only OPIT can provide.
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