What Exactly is Cloud Hosting?

In recent times, it seems as though everything is 'in the cloud'. While the phrase is common language for the tech savvy amongst us, there are many everyday Aussies who are still a little vague on the actual meaning of this expression.

In layman's terms, cloud computing simply means storing and accessing data and programs over the net rather than via your computer's hard drive. As PCmag points out, the term 'cloud' really is just a metaphor for the internet.

So if cloud computing is simply storing and accessing data and programs via the internet, what exactly is cloud hosting? Well, a cloud hosting service basically provides hosting for websites via virtual servers. These servers pull their computing resource from an underlying network of physical web servers; this underlying network is generally fairly extensive and involves a number of data centres in different locations. Cloud hosting differs in its nature, as it is rather a service than a product. It is highly functional and versatile, working to the demands of each given client and their website.

Used as an alternate method of hosting, one of its key features is the fact that it isn’t simply an extension of a singular server. Instead, it exists on multiple servers in various locations, allowing for the adaptable service it is known for. No longer will you have to stress about whether your website will last during peak periods of visitors, as with cloud hosting it has an army of servers ready to compensate behind it.

Do you have an example?

What bigger example could we give other than the biggest search engine in the world, Google. Spread over hundreds of thousands of serves, Google is hosted on cloud servers to maintain reliability, security, flexibility whilst increasing capacity. The Cloud Hosting servers act in Googles favour, with very little disruption to their website occurring in their extensive history. I mean, if Google themselves are using Cloud Hosting, it must be good.

What about Enterprise Cloud Hosting?

Enterprises need reliable and fast hosting which is highly responsive. This is why there are enterprise level of hosting services, which specifically work to support full IT services whilst residing behind a strong firewall that offers a full and dedicated foundation for it to work off.

What are the benefits of cloud hosting?

There are a number of benefits to choosing a cloud hosting service.

1. This particular type of hosting service is very reliable. Because cloud hosting pulls resource from a vast number of different servers, websites are not adversely affected should one server fail. The level of resource will be reduced to some extent, but not enough to actually affect a website – the cloud will simply draw resource from the other available servers.

When comparing Dedicated Servers to Cloud Hosting, there is a clear difference when looking at the amount of resources used to ensure the stability of a site. Cloud Hosting allows for information to be stored and gathered from numerous servers, meaning if one fails another can step in, and allow the site to continue as normal. When looking for reliability, Cloud Hosting is the way to go.

2. The security level is very high. Since the underlying servers are housed in physical data centres, the hosting service is able to enjoy the level of security these data centres provide – which is usually quite extensive. If you are looking at security as a key deciding factor in your hosting service, Cloud Hosting is one of the most secure options available. As it is kept over a range of servers, it is harder for outside influences to intercept and manipulate data.

3. Cloud hosting provides an excellent level of flexibility. Resource isn't limited by the capacity of one server; it's available in real-time and on demand. Therefore, if your website experiences a sudden increase in traffic, the hosting service will be able to respond accordingly - ensuring your website continues to function properly.

4. Cloud hosting services are often charged via a utility-style costing system. This means that you only pay for the amount of resource you use – so there is no wasted capacity.

Is cloud hosting suitable for your website? Since it is fast and reliable, this type of hosting is ideally suited to business websites that require a high level of performance. Although it is a little more expensive than standard shared server hosting, the increased performance certainly makes it well worth the additional cost!