By the end of 2020, the global market for cloud computing is expected to reach $150 billion. In the last decade, cloud computing has experienced exponential growth as people become increasingly aware of its many benefits. Currently, the vast majority of businesses use some type of cloud service.
But as more businesses opt to shift to the cloud, most web developers are still stuck to writing their source code locally. Of course, where you choose to store your data as a web developer won’t necessarily affect your final product. However, opting for a cloud file server for your web development process has its gains.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you why you should use the cloud for web development. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is A Cloud Server?
A cloud file server refers to a logical server that is developed, hosted, and delivered via a cloud computing form through the Internet. Cloud servers are also referred to as virtual servers or virtual private servers.
While a cloud server possesses and exhibits the same capabilities and functionality of typical servers, it’s accessed remotely. A virtual server is an IaaS-based cloud service.
Types of Cloud File Server
Generally, there are two types of the cloud server, namely:
- Logical cloud server
- Physical cloud server
A logical cloud server is delivered through server virtualization. This delivery model involves the logical distribution of the physical server into multiple logical servers, each with its separate OS, apps, and user interface.
A physical cloud file server is accessed remotely through the Internet. However, it isn’t distributed or shared. A physical cloud server is also referred to as a dedicated cloud server.
What Cloud Services Can You Expect From Your Vendor?
Currently, there are many cloud service providers in the market, besides online document storage. As a web developer, you can expect the following services from the vendor you choose:
- Computing: This service provides you with the capability to run applications on the systems of your cloud provider. This way, you have the computing power you need without needing to invest in your servers.
- Container Support: Your vendor allows you to host and run containers
- Content Delivery: this includes the ability to place objects on the edge of the cloud.
- Machine Learning: Lately, services that help drive AI and machine learning have been added by many vendors.
- Mobile services: Web developers can configure various mobile applications and work with different features, including data storage, notification services, user authentication, and so on.
- Website Management: Developers can manage data services, web hosting, and even DNS.
What Are the Benefits of Using A Cloud File Server?
The cloud offers several unique advantages that can help you in the web development process. We discuss some of them in this section.
1. It Removes Geographical Limitations
Traditional servers usually have certain limitations when it comes to speed and delivery. That’s because they’re set at a specific location. Cloud hosting, on the other hand, lets the developer reach any geographic location they wish without affecting user experience.
Developers get to enjoy beneficial features like traffic management and content delivery network (CDN). CDN can help you increase your reach much more. Through this feature, you can access videos, images, and application at incredible speeds regardless of your location globally.
2. The Cloud is Cost-Effective
One of the top reasons businesses opt for iCloud extra storage is its cost-effectiveness. You get to save substantial capital costs since you don’t need to invest in on-site server storage or applications. And since you don’t require any in-house infrastructure, you also get to minimize:
- Administration expenses
- Energy bills
- Air conditioning expenses
Once you opt for cloud computing, you only get to pay for whatever you use. An added benefit is that you can always stop engaging anytime you want.
3. The Cloud Is Highly Scalable
Cloud services allow your business to scale your web development operations up or down as required. This scalability helps avert site crashes in case of unexpected peak traffic on your site.
Your cloud service provider should give you the ability to control bandwidth, in case you need to upscale. Scalability can help you save money since you only get to pay for the resources you’re using at any given time.
4. The Cloud Keeps Data More Secure
In an age that’s becoming increasingly digitized, data security is essential. You need to protect any personal information you collect from visitors to your site. Without ample security, hackers can also access your website and tamper with your design and content.
Top cloud service providers go out of their way to guarantee security to their clients. These vendors typically store multiple copies of each file in separate locations, secure data centers, and offer reliable file sharing service.
5. It Streamlines Collaboration
Collaboration is essential in boosting productivity. Cloud-based systems boost collaboration by allowing members of a team to make changes in real-time. Updates are thus instantaneous.
One of the most powerful features of cloud computing is the ability to grant access only to the people you want. This selective access feature also lets you limit what members of your team can access within your document storage systems.
For instance, if your web development project requires working with another company, you can grant them access only to files that are related to their role. The rest of your valuable information remains secure in the cloud.
6. Reduce the Time Taken To Market
Generally, businesses that opt for cloud-based computing realize remarkable improvement in marketing times. That’s because cloud services are significantly streamlined.
With the cloud, you can get immediate feedback from your clients and respond accordingly. Moreover, you can access expert guidance whenever you need it. With improved customer experience and assistance from the experts, you realize faster sales.
7. It Affords You Mobility
Just about every web developer wants the ability to do their work anywhere they wish to. The cloud allows you to design on the fly. This way, you can utilize much of the time wasted in waiting rooms, on the train, or whenever you’re away from your desktop.
Web developers can access all the tools they need at any time and do their work anywhere they are. You don’t even need a PC to access the software you need for your work. As long as you have a suitable device, you can work remotely.
8. The Cloud Helps You Retain Your Top Talent
A growing number of skilled workers now opt to work remotely. The vast majority of remote employees are so happy about this setup that they intend to stay remote throughout their careers. If you employ remote talent in your web development company, keeping them satisfied can help you retain them for a long time.
Seasoned employees don’t like slow systems that bog them and affect their work. Cloud hosting helps streamline processes and allows your top talent to work efficiently wherever they are in the world. It’s a perk that can help you attract and retain the best of the best in the industry.
9. Cloud Computing Is More Eco-Friendly
With climate change becoming a huge concern the world over – especially in countries that have been ravaged by fires, such as Australia – companies are seeking more ways to become greener.
Since cloud computing requires much fewer data centers, there’s less energy use and pollution. Most top cloud service vendors embrace green practices and look upon clients who do the same more favorably.
10. The Cloud Helps You Become IoT Ready
Over the last decade, the trend towards the Internet of Things (IoT) has grown tremendously. People now your smartphones to answer their front doors. You can now check whether you closed the garage door at home from the comfort of your work office. Things are now more connected than ever before.
Opting for cloud computing allows you to move your business closer to being IoT ready.
11. The Cloud Is Highly Reliable
When compared to on-premise IT infrastructure, cloud services are a lot more reliable. In the event of server failure, it’s easy to transit hosted applications to other available services.
With cloud computing, you get more simplified and enhanced IT management. Furthermore, you enjoy a simpler user interface for accessing applications, services, and software. And as computing resources continue to increase, you retain your competitive edge in the industry.
12. Cloud Storage Is Fast
There’s a common misconception that a dedicated server is much faster than cloud storage. True, having a top-of-the-line dedicated server hosted at the best data center and connected to impressive internet storage can give you lightning-fast performance.
But as soon as traffic starts to flow and there’s more load, a dedicated server won’t perform as fast as it did in the beginning. With cloud computing, you get fast and consistent performance from the start.
Cloud Computing Can Boost Your Web Development Project
As you can see, choosing a cloud file server can take your web development business to the next level. Not only does cloud computing afford you more scalability, mobility, and security, but it also cuts costs and helps you retain your best employees. And as more cloud service vendors enter the market, you can only expect more improvements in this industry.
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