In order to identify the customer's needs, it is necessary to know their opinion, as this helps to detect where you should improve, what acceptance you [...]
Read More »
Cloud services or solutions (cloud computing), either in Spain or anywhere in the world, are infrastructures, platforms or software systems that are hosted by third-party providers and made available to users over the Internet, without having to download additional software to a personal computer or local server. In order for companies to access these cloud services, the user only needs a device with Internet access and, in some cases, a virtual private network (VPN).
The booming trend of implementing cloud solutions in SMEs accelerated with the arrival of the pandemic and everything points to the fact that in the immediate future cloud management will be extended globally.
Cloud computing in Spain has a strong presence among micro-enterprises and SMEs. It is estimated that approximately 40% of these companies, which represent 98% of the business fabric in our country, are already using some model of cloud service for the management and maintenance of their data.
But what do we mean when we talk about implementing a cloud solution in a company? Cloud computing allows companies to be present in the digital sphere without the need to have IT specialists, create a technology department or have servers located in-house.
In this sense, companies use technology as a service and not as a "product". Managed service providers or MSPs are best suited to offer this type of solution to SMEs, which pay a fee based on their use of the tools and infrastructure contracted from the service provider. Essentially, both server space and access to specific software solutions are rented.
Basically, a cloud solution allows the user to store their data on external servers to be accessible over a network. The user simply opens their web browser and logs into the desired application to start working.
► You may be interested in: Digital Transformation in SMEs
Cloud services offer small and medium-sized companies the same protection as large companies with more stringent requirements. As a result, SMEs can maintain a high level of security, without the need for IT specialists on their payroll, and have their data quickly and securely available at any time.
Likewise, cloud services have the capacity to place all users on the same level. This democratizes the application of corporate software. We do not need to know what is happening in the cloud, just log in and work on our task.
When selecting a cloud service model for data management and storage, there are four possibilities.
► You may be interested in: Types of Cloud Computing Clouds
It is at the top of the cloud service pyramid and can offer complete solutions to end users. This service provides users with a cloud application, the platform on which it runs and the underlying infrastructure.
This is the most common model of cloud computing and is undoubtedly the most demanded solution by SMEs because they usually require minimal management. It is an ideal system for startups and microenterprises due to its flexibility.
Companies can get up and running with a minimal initial investment, as there is no need to purchase the hardware or software used to provide their services. The SaaS provider manages the infrastructure, operating systems, middleware and all the data needed to make the contracted solution available when and where customers need it.
SaaS focuses on providing access to the software application to the user through a browser or program interface, eliminating the need for downloads or installations.
► You may be interested in: How artificial intelligence impacts software as a service (SaaS) companies
This service allows SMEs to access more sophisticated applications running in a virtual environment, such as ERP and CRM solutions, as well as e-mail managers.
This is the deepest layer of the cloud and is used for the creation of operating systems and virtual machines, among other uses. This service is located at the base of the cloud services pyramid because it supports critical infrastructure.
It allows building on-demand work environments, where the user can access multiple functions in a simple way. It also provides a multitude of complex resources: scalable databases, virtual private networks, data analysis tools and even application monitoring and developer tools.
IaaS is a service suitable for SMEs that do not have the resources to acquire the hardware and software necessary to create their own internal network and are looking for future flexibility and scalability that will allow them to reduce or increase their resources depending on the volume of activity.
IaaS allows companies to take advantage of the cloud server resources, without having to worry about hardware requirements, while the platform and software management is the responsibility of the company itself.
Popular IaaS: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Cloud Platform, Rackspace.
It is at an intermediate level and allows developers to create applications based on the available infrastructure. PaaS is advisable for any company that develops software and web-based applications, as well as for SMEs looking for agility in their management.
It allows the user to develop customized software applications or add more functionalities without the need to incorporate more personnel or buy them directly.
SMEs have more limited resources than large companies. Therefore, when selecting the most suitable cloud model for their business they have to analyze which functionalities are really necessary for their optimal digitization, such as:
The implementation of cloud solutions for SMEs is essential to react quickly and efficiently to any change or market opportunity. Cloud solutions are usually pre-configured to cover a series of standard business needs that can be extended later if necessary.
Likewise, we can also find auto-scalable infrastructures that are capable of intelligently detecting the needs of a company. In this way, by means of artificial intelligence, they are able to expand services to meet market demands.
Depending on the type of SME, the following must be taken into account:
The different types of cloud solutions and their associated services determine the fees that must be paid to contract their services. The following is a list of some of the most commonly contracted cloud services.
In order to identify the customer's needs, it is necessary to know their opinion, as this helps to detect where you should improve, what acceptance you [...]
Read More »The world is experiencing exponential growth in data generation on an ever-increasing scale. According to IDC (International Data Corp.
Read More »The Big Data market is booming. Although the need to transform data into information for decision making is not new, the need to [...]
Read More »In the digital age in which we live, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a disruptive force in numerous industries, and the banking sector has been [...]
Read More »
