January 06, 2012
Top Reasons to Use a Cloud-Based Hosting Provider
In terms of freshness, or even just modernity, fewer services have a better claim to the name than cloud hosting. This structure of web hosting burst onto the scene in the last few years, staking a claim on the market share based on its ingenuity, ease of use, and various pros. Now, almost every web hosting provider in the business offers some form of cloud-oriented storage, even if it’s just an acceleration package for heavy week-end use. All in all, if you’re clueless about cloud hosting, you may want to wise up, as we have a feeling this technology will be around for a long time to go.But what exactly is cloud-based web hosting, and is it really the best fit for your business? In fact, what even are the benefits to using a cloud-oriented service, in comparison to a traditional, server bank experience? If you’re at all curious—or would just like a refresher course—you’ve come to the right place! Below, you’ll find a brief explanation of the technology itself, as well as our top reasons for using a cloud-based hosting service with your business.
Taste the Cloud
First and foremost, it’s important to have at least a basic handle on what cloud hosting actually is. The best way to think about the technology is in terms of spread: Typically, a web host banks on a datacenter that stores every single one of its servers. This data center can be composed of only a few servers, or perhaps many thousands of them. Either way, all of the hardware is centrally located at only one address.
With cloud hosting, the servers that hold your website and its data are spread out across the globe, potentially spanning massive distances without every physically crossing wires. The cloud itself is nothing more than a massive, interconnecting network of servers that use the Internet and high-speed Web connections to share, store, and retrieve data. This is beneficial for a number of reasons, but if it still sounds sketchy, don’t worry: Just because your data has been spread around does not mean it has been compromised. Quite the opposite, in fact! With that in mind, let’s dive straight into our top reasons for using a cloud-based web hosting provider in the first place.
1. Scalability: By far the largest benefit for using a cloud-based web host is the network’s scalability. The idea behind this is relatively simple: In a traditional hosting environment, because your data is stored at only one server, you’re limited by the ability’s of that single server. There’s hardly any extra bandwidth to draw from during a crisis, and disc space is even more restricted. However, since a cloud-based network is compromised of potentially tens of thousands of servers located around the globe, you’re looking at a truly unlimited amount of data transfer, no matter where the location. When server strain increases, the cloud can scale up to meet demand. This is accomplished by simply delegating your data to a few more servers on the network. In this way, your end-user avoids long load times and dramatic lag, as the network itself has compensated for an increase in usage. And when the server strain decreases, the network can adjust to match, relinquishing control of your website until needed again. This not only saves energy, but potentially money!
2. Pricing: Cloud hosting typically works in the same way as your electric bill. That is to say, you only pay for the services you actually use. If you’re electricity usage this month has been light, you’ll see a lower bill at the end of the month. In directly the same way, if your website has been slow all month, most cloud hosting providers will only charge you for the data that was sent down the pipes. In this sense, cloud hosting is far cheaper than a traditional hosting model, which charges a set rate for both bandwidth and disc space.
3. Permanent Up-Time: With a traditional hosting server, you will inevitably experience some amount of down-time. This could be once every month, twice a week, or as little as once a year. Still, it will happen, as the server will either need to be taken down for maintenance, or perhaps a malicious bit of software yanks the whole mast down with a single, grimy mitt. With cloud hosting, however, there is little to no real down-time. Because your website is no longer contained at only one server, there’s no need to worry about the hardware failing. If one server accidentally trips, another simply fires up to take its place. By using a network of a thousand or more servers, you are guaranteed uninterrupted presence on the Internet.
4. Ease of Use: Another bonus in cloud hosting’s favor is its total ease of use. Unlike traditional hosting models, there’s very little upkeep involved with the cloud network. You will never again have to worry about server updates, firmware improvements, security fixes, or even viruses or computer bugs. Because the network itself is spread out, and not located in a single location, you’re free from needing to perform any kind of scheduled maintenance. Furthermore, most cloud networks are fully capable of adapting to the times. Should a new edition of a popular coding environment emerge, the cloud network should almost instantly adapt. In fact, we’ve found we rarely need to modify our original code to match the network, as cloud hosts are notoriously good at integrating your content with their existing processes. It’s a smooth package, and one that saves us a heck of headaches.
At the end of the day, cloud hosting is simply cheaper, more efficient, more powerful, and endlessly inventive than traditional hosting methods. If you’re looking for a modern and ideal way to host your web content for either your business or personal use, there’s simply no better option than cloud-based technology.Popular LinksCategories: General |
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