Scalable Virtual C
Cloud Services vs. Web Services There are a few fundamental differences that separate cloud services and web services. A web service is an application programming interface (API) that provides data for applications to consume, while a cloud service is an application or service that offers remote resources as a service for users to consume. Web services and cloud services are similar, but they are not inherently the same. Web services give developers different methods of how to integrate a web application over the internet, and they allow enterprises to share data without needing necessary access of systems beyond the company’s firewall. Cloud services, on the other hand, provide access to a server infrastructure that a cloud provider manages. These cloud services provide data storage and access, security, scalability, and handle any system updates.businesscloudsolutions Hosted Solutions vs. Cloud-Based Services Hosted solutions can be offered in a couple of ways. The first is when an enterprise purchases a solution in-house and then takes on the responsibility to maintain it. Another is a hosted solution from a third-party provider that hosts the physical servers that run the service elsewhere. A customer gains access to that service through a direct network connection, usually via the Internet. Traditional Process Option #1: Buy a solution Traditionally, before the era of cloud computing, an enterprise or small business would host all their own solutions on-premise and in-house within a data center. An organization would buy a solution and then once purchased, would be responsible for its maintenance. In-house servers allow an enterprise to have physical control over their backup processes, and critical data also stays in-house, rather than with a third-party provider. There also isn’t the need to rely on an internet connection for access to data, and it can be cost-effective for a smaller or medium-size business. Option #2: Use a third-party Conversely, many companies choose to use third-party hosting and colocation services to move away from a traditional in-house IT infrastructure. Third-party providers offer a level of uptime that’s more or less guaranteed in the contract. Disaster recovery is also a key feature that third-party providers offer, in addition to the cost savings that can be achieved when an off-site provider hosts and maintains the hardware. Limitations of these options Whether an enterprise decides to choose to buy a solution and maintain it themselves, or they hire a third-party provider, both have their merits, but they also have their drawbacks. In-house solutions require a capital investment in hardware and infrastructure, and need adequate space within an office for a server rack, not to mention the dedicated IT support that an enterprise must provide themselves.