Cloud hosting, what is it, and how does it work?
Web Hosting Blog
What is cloud hosting, and how does it work? And how will it benefit my business? This week, we will be taking a deep dive into the world of cloud hosting.
Unlike traditional hosting solutions, which use a single server, cloud hosting consists of multiple servers (called nodes) and external SAN storage. Installing virtualisation software, like VMWare, onto the nodes converts the physical hardware into cloud-based platforms.
A cloud platform should have no single point of failure. Suppose any of the hardware fails for any reason. In that case, the virtualisation software automatically moves your cloud software to an unaffected node, giving you peace of mind your cloud server will remain online.
Its unique infrastructure allows you to add and remove resources whenever you need them, making it very scalable and flexible.
What is virtulisation?
A layer of software called a hypervisor is added to a server which ‘virtualises’ the hardware (including the CPU, RAM and hard disk), allowing it to create virtual environments which run its own individual operating systems and applications.
The software is otherwise known as a virtual machine manager, dynamically allocating the physical servers’ hardware resources in each virtual environment.
What are the benefits of cloud hosting?
Reliability
If you store all of your website data on one server, and a disaster happens, such as a fire or theft, you lose your data.
But with cloud hosting, your data is shared between a network of interconnected servers, so if one server fails, your information is moved seamlessly to another server – keeping your website online.
Scalability
With cloud hosting, it’s easy to add and remove resources as and when you need them. If you are expecting extra traffic, you can scale up your resources to cater for the spike (e.g. eCommerce during a sale).
Customisable
Cloud hosting servers are incredibly versatile, making it easy to tailor a cloud server plan to your exact specifications.
Performance
Cloud hosting allows for easier load balancing between multiple server environments, putting much less strain on a single server’s resources. Giving you lightning-fast speeds and increased traffic capacity.
Better for the planet
You might not think you need to worry about your hosting’s impact on the environment. But, UK data centres account for 12% of UK energy consumption and 3% of all global energy. A recent study at CWCS revealed that a cloud server uses 88% less power than a dedicated server. So by using the cloud, you’re making a more eco-friendly choice.
Types of cloud
When choosing your cloud server, you will have to choose between a public or private server. We want to help you choose the right solution for your business by giving you a breakdown of these options.
Public Cloud
The public cloud is a multi-tenant cloud computing environment. You share the CPU, RAM storage and network hardware with multiple tenants.
It works by segmenting physical servers into virtual servers with shared resources. Each company has access to one of the virtual servers.
Think of it as an apartment building; multiple tenants live in the same building and share resources like water and electricity, but they each have their own dedicated space (apartment), which the other people in the building cannot access.
Who uses Public Cloud?
Public cloud is perfect for startups and SMEs as it gives you all the functionality of cloud hosting without the considerable expense of a private cloud.
As resources are so easily scalable in the public cloud, it’s a solution that grows with your business. Helping you to stay on track with predictable, monthly billing.
Is Public Cloud secure?
Your public cloud environment is separate from other users on the same server, ensuring that your data is not accessible to the rest of the network.
A great way to check if your hosting company follows best security practices is to check they are ISO 27001 accredited.
Additionally, at CWCS, we provide additional cloud security services, such as CWCS ArcusWall, cWatch, and more.
Private Cloud
Private cloud servers provide a secure environment for a company’s shared resources; unlike public cloud servers, they only host one company’s data—everything from the CPU, RAM storage and network hardware dedicated to your business.
If public cloud is like an apartment building, then private cloud would be like a house. Only the tenant has access to the building and all of the resources inside the home.
Who uses Private Cloud?
Private cloud is perfect for companies that handle sensitive data. Although public cloud is secure, a dedicated cloud server offers extra peace of mind that your data cannot be accessed by anyone else.
For businesses where performance is a priority, you won’t want to rely on shared resources – private cloud offers guaranteed availability ensuring your website and applications always perform.
If you want to find out more about talk to one of our specialists today.