The role that IT plays in the modern business arena is enormous. The advent of cloud computing has transformed how companies operate. Different businesses drawn from a cross-section of industries have turned to cloud-based platforms, resources and infrastructure to reduce costs, drive productivity and streamline processes.

Indeed, it’s cheaper to sign up for cloud computing resources than it is to purchase a server and get it running. It’s costly to invest in software and maintain the same in-house. When you opt for the cloud, you don’t need to budget for hardware and software incrementally. Instead, you enjoy more time and resources to enhance your HR functions and other core business functions to make your business successful.

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of various services through the cloud.  Here, the cloud refers to the internet. The services that are delivered through the internet can range from database, networking, data storage software and other applications.

With cloud-based storage, a company can save files in remote databases and retrieve the same when the demand arises.

Cloud computing services can be private or public. The private services are hosted on a specified network for specific clients. Public services are accessible online but at a fee.

Unlike traditional IT services, cloud computing presents a host of benefits to companies big and small. It’s easy to scale and access mission-critical applications, especially if you have the right cloud service provider.

Top Cloud Computing Companies in Singapore

What Are the Different Types of Cloud Computing Services?

Cloud computing is classified into three distinctive models.

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
• PaaS (Platform as a Service)
• SaaS (Software as a Service)

Before you select any of the service models above, it’s crucial to understand the differences, suitability and advantages of each.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software as a Service allows users to access software by way of leasing or subscription instead of purchasing and installing them. The saas market is significantly huge, given the technologies it offers to businesses. These can be billing software, CRM, HRM or email applications.

Benefits

• SaaS applications save time since there is no installation needed. Your business accesses these applications directly on a web browser.
• The model is available on a pay-per-use basis, meaning it offers cost-efficiency benefits.
• Offers flexibility by allowing users to change their usage on demand
• It provides remote access.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Infrastructure as a Service is a scalable and automated computing model. It allows businesses to access resources on-demand instead of buying hardware incrementally. Businesses can access cloud servers through an API or a dashboard. A client is charged with controlling applications, OS, and data.

Benefits

It’s a flexible model that allows clients to scale up and down based on demand.

• Easy automation and deployment
• Inexpensive and budget-friendly model
• Clients have the utmost control of the infrastructure.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Platform as a Service provides users with a platform to create and use applications. It enables app developers to create custom apps. A PaaS provider takes care of the network, storage, servers and OS.

Benefits

• Prebuilt backend infrastructure makes it easy to prototype
• The model relies on the latest software updates and features
• It streamlines coding and reduces the time needed for developers to code
• It simplifies the integration of web-based services and databases.

Cloud Computing Deployment Models

Cloud computing services are deployed in three ways.  These include the Public cloud, Private and Hybrid cloud.

Public Cloud

The public cloud is a standard deployment option. Services are delivered via the internet for use by multiple users. Clients are billed according to the services they consume. This can be in the form of a subscription, free or freemium basis. This option is ideal for basic computing needs. The public cloud deploys apps for business operations, test functions and software deployment purposes.

Benefits of the public cloud include:

• Flexible pricing options
• Exceptional scalability and flexibility
• No upfront costs needed to deploy and maintain
• Reduces IT complications

Private Cloud

Private cloud services are ideal for a specific company or business. It allows exclusive access to the members of the said company. Data centre resources are controlled by an autonomous vendor. Private clouds are easily scalable, and they fit the computing needs of a unique business and its security concerns.

This cloud option fits highly regulated entities such as government agencies. These agencies need to observe high-security measures and process control, making private clouds their best option.

Benefits of Private Cloud

• Offers confidentiality and secure environments without the interruption from third parties
• Highly scalable to meet volatile business demands.
• Outstanding SLA performance.

Hybrid Cloud

The hybrid cloud is a resourceful combination of the private and public cloud models. It operates in an integrated environment. The cloud solutions offered are set apart over multiple private and public data centres making it a reliable option.

It’s ideal for clients with various regulatory, security and productivity requisites. A business looking for an alternative to boosting security and scalability will find the hybrid option ideal.

Advantages of Hybrid Cloud

• Since the version is a combination of public and private cloud, businesses can scale quickly depending on demand.
• Excellent reliability since services are spread across numerous private and public data centres.

The State Of Cloud Computing In the Singapore Market Place

In the recent past, Singapore has experienced mass adoption of cloud computing. Different organisations drawn from various industries have invested in cloud-based solutions for their day to day activities. This adoption seems to have started with SMEs that recognised the benefits of remote storage and cost-efficient computing resources.

Indeed, this affordability is a crucial aspect of cloud-based applications. This is one reason why Singaporean SMEs continue to invest in cloud computing. With the federation of computing resources in the cloud, small businesses can leverage then regardless of their location. It makes it easy for SMEs to meet goals and score highly on mission-critical processes.

In Singapore, a majority of businesses are experiencing the shift from capital expenditure to operating expenditure. This happens since organisations can access computing as a service instead of investing in physical servers. As such, businesses stand a chance to save significantly on IT. Ventures in different verticals can make budgetary decisions easier when they go for cloud computing.

At the same time, Singaporean CIOs are opting for the cloud infrastructure to augment flexibility and reduce the pressure on capital budgets. However, it doesn’t mean that cloud computing is always the cheaper option compared to in-house computing. Applications with a manageable power demand are inherently cheaper when hosted in-house.

New Cloud Computing Trends for Singaporean Business

Given the accelerated change in the cloud computing arena, more is likely to happen in the coming years here are some trends to watch out for.

Rapid cloud computing growth and adoption

Cloud computing is not going anywhere anytime soon. It’s poised for incremental growth despite the many gains it has achieved of late. Surveys indicate that over 20 % of companies take up cloud computing applications on a year to year basis. The fact is that cloud computing is becoming the go-to deployment model not just for Singaporean businesses but for global enterprises as well.

Cloud computing goes mobile

Mobile devices have proliferated significantly over the last few years. Workers are no longer tied to their desks since they leverage smartphones to execute business-related tasks remotely.

A mobile workforce relies on flexibility. This is one reason why cloud computing is becoming a favourite for workers on the go. They no longer have to drop by the office to complete tasks. The mobile device enables them to log into the cloud to finish pending tasks. Also, companies are warming up to mobile-friendly cloud computing solutions, given the convenience benefits that come with them.

Cloud dominates the global market

Although the cloud is already global, cloud services have the potential to evolve; they will incubate greater communication and collaboration within organisations. This is likely to give rise to more systems that operate seamlessly in multiple locations using multilingual interfaces.

Social tools will refine cloud collaboration

Cloud-based applications are flexible and socially adaptable compared to traditional onsite software. Today, social tools such as chat or microblogging tend to improve collaboration. Customers will prefer using them to communicate with other customers, agent’s employee and potential consumers.

What Are the Benefits of Cloud Computing?

Cloud adoption is fast and convenient. Organisations turn to cloud computing given the cost-saving, flexibility and scalability potential that comes with adopting these services. Many businesses gain a competitive edge by using cloud services.

Cost Efficiency

Incorporating cloud computing services enables businesses to cut down on overheads and daily costs significantly. An organisation reduces its dependency on massive databases for data collection and storage purposes. They do away with the need to invest in hardware and infrastructure. It’s a pay as you go system that allows companies to scale on services according to their current needs.

Security

Cloud computing enables a business to consolidate data security. It becomes easy to manage and safeguard data form breaches, unauthorised access and cybercrime. A reliable cloud service company is obligated to observe the highest levels of security using multiple authenticating factors on their platform. Also, it allows exclusive access by authorised personnel remotely.

Scalability

Cloud computing presents companies with flexibility for critical processes. The right provider allows a business to scale service use according to the current demand. A company doesn’t have to purchase infrastructure since a business can choose solutions that suit their objectives.

Disaster Recovery

Cloud computing offers an always available option for data in the cloud. In the event of a natural disaster, clients can recover their data. It’s easy to access the same even when system downtime or data breach has occurred.

Increased Collaboration

Cloud-based solutions enable teams in the organisation to collaborate efficiently. Members can view and share data securely and in an error-free manner via the cloud platform. A business enjoys improved engagement when a provider presents collaborative environments for the staff.

Considerations While Shortlisting Cloud Computing Providers

The abundance of cloud computing service providers in Singapore makes it complicated for a business to choose the right outfit. To find the right provider, you need to base your selection on the following.

Security

After determining your data security needs, you need to know how the provider performs regarding security. Check the mechanisms they use to safeguard your applications and data. Check whether you’ll need to supplement security features with a third party.

Compliance

When choosing a cloud service provider, make sure that they have an appropriate cloud architecture platform that matches the compliance needed in your niche. Ask them to explain how they observe compliance once your data goes live in the cloud. Make sure you understand your obligations and those of the provider.

Architecture

Before you appoint a provider, check whether they have the right architecture that fuses seamlessly with your workflow and processes. You need to know whether the platform will work for you now and in the future. Also, check the cloud storage architectures and whether they can accommodate multiple storage needs.

Manageability

It’s essential to check the management demands from different services. Make sure that the provider can integrate with other services that are vital to your day to day operations. Also, make sure that your team will welcome, learn and execute tasks on the cloud platform with ease once you go the cloud way.

Service Levels

Cloud service level agreements are crucial when selecting a cloud service provider. You need to know whether the provider can handle your critical needs regarding response time, support, access and the like. It’s crucial to ensure that the SLA is legally enforceable other than making sure that the provider is diligent and trustworthy.

Support

Support is essential when choosing a cloud service provider. You need to know whether they offer responsive support and not help through the chat function. Check whether they offer dedicated support before you sign a contract.

Cost

The price you’ll pay shouldn’t be the topmost factor. However, it plays a massive role in determining the provider you end up picking. Check the primary and associated costs that come with moving to the cloud. Also, check the pricing models they use and whether they offer services on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Capacity

A provider’s capacity is a crucial consideration. If you’re expanding globally, check whether the provider can handle your data in different geographic regions. Check whether the provider has data centres in global locations and the cost of transferring data between dispersed data centres.Characteristics of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing comes with five distinct characteristics that make the service highly coveted. As a model that enables convenient and on-demand access to networks, applications, servers, and storage, cloud computing has the following characteristics.

On-demand self-service

A user can a consumer can unilaterally run computing capabilities such as network storage as needed without human output. There’s no need for human interaction with the provider.

Broad network access.

Cloud computing Capabilities are accessible through a standard methodology that encourages use though different client platforms including smartphones, laptops and ordinary desktops.

Resource pooling

A service provider’s computing tools are combined to serve multiple users via a multi-tenant model. Various physical and virtual resources are deployed and redeployed in line with user demands. The user has no control over the location of the resources such as bandwidth, memory and storage.

Rapid elasticity

A user’s requirement for resources can change up and down. Cloud computing offers tools that enable users to increase or reduce resource usage as soon as the need arises. It’s possible to scale up and down in a short time.

Measured service

Cloud systems automatically manage resources using a metering capability. It’s easy to monitor, control and report resource usage in a transparent manner for the user and provider.

Ways to secure cloud computing

Security is a critical component of any cloud computing strategy. To make sure that you’re protected in the cloud, there are security steps you need to take.

Know where your data lives

If you need to safeguard your data, it’s essential to know where it’s located. Although encryption will secure the data, you need to know the fate of your data should you terminate the contract with a provider.

Always backup your data

One way to secure data in the cloud is to have a backup. It keeps it intact in case the unexpected happens. Backing up the data is more of securing your businesses than the data itself. It offers peace of mind that your data is intact even after a disaster

Ensure the provider takes security seriously.

When you know where the data centre and server hosting your data is located, you can verify whether they are compliant with the latest security measures. Check whether they are conversant with resilience measures. Also, they should provide value-added services, including the provision of firewalls intrusion detection and antivirus resources.

Get references

If you’re unsure about the capacity and reputation of a service provider, ask your associates to refer a reputable outfit. Even though they don’t give guarantees, referrals will give you a sneak preview whether the provider is a good fit.

Test and test

After you deploy your cloud computing, you need to ensure that the system is secure, consider getting an ethical hacker to test it for you. You can run a vulnerability scanning to discern whether your data is secure in the cloud.