We have heard a lot more times about cloud computing as well as traditional computing. They both have a lot of difference in their infrastructure, applications and functioning. Before discussing their differences, pros and cons we must know about computing in the IT sector. What is computing? Why is it so necessary? Let’s discuss computing shortly then we will discuss cloud computing and traditional computing with their differences.
Computing can be defined as the process of arranging the group of hardwares, and softwares for the experimentation and study of algorithmic processes. It includes processing, accessing, managing and structuring various kinds of information. This can be done through various methods which we are going to discuss in this article. Computing can be of various types according to its usage and functioning such as sharing computing environment, cluster computing, cloud computing etc.
Traditional Computing
Traditional computing includes traditional hardware procurement with a complete self-owned infrastructure. It consists of pieces of hardware such as desktop, computer and other resources which are connected together through a remote server. Traditional computing includes the use of hard drives for the storage purpose and locally located data centres. This server is installed on the on-premises and provided to the whole company’s network by the use of hardwares. These are having direct cable connection which helps them in better transmission.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is an advanced way of data hosting, accessing and storing data over the internet instead of doing it in your personal hard drive. It is a modern technology of computing services including servers, storage, databases, networking, and analytics over the internet connection. It works on pay as you go basis which helps you to reduce the operating costs and works more efficiently. In cloud computing you don’t have to own a complete infrastructure and resources, you can request it from a cloud service provider and multiple enterprises can use the same resources at a time. It is a very cost affordable solution as you only have to pay for the resources and storage you are using at a time. The different servers are attached to a server pool for using the resources known as cloud.
Cloud Computing Vs traditional computing
In the above article, we have discussed shortly about the traditional and cloud computing platforms. Now, we will see the differences between them.
- Infrastructure
Traditional computing has a static infrastructure where you have to set up and scale data manually. It lacks automation which makes it a less efficient solution for computing.
Cloud computing is an automated solution with future proof technology. You can scale data independently with higher efficiency.
- Pricing
The key difference between cloud and traditional computing is in their pricing structure. Cloud computing is a cost efficient and an affordable solution even for small businesses. In this you don’t have to own extra resources and you will only pay for the resources you are using. It works on pay as you go basis. On the other hand, traditional computing is having a heavy pricing due to its large infrastructure setup. Costliness is the main reason for losing the credential in traditional platforms. You have to pay for everything which you are using in the computing system as they are running through your own data centres.
- Efficiency
When we compare both the computing solutions according to their work efficiency we can consider cloud computing as the best platform. In a traditional computing platform there is a risk of failure while accessing and restoring data and you also have to face hardware failures. It is a very tough task to handle such a vast system while in cloud computing you can avoid hardware failures and it provides accurate and faster restoration with an ease.
- Security
Security is the basic need for any business to run properly. Both the computing platforms have distributable features in terms of security. Traditional computing platforms have a basicity with a single layered security while cloud computing is much feasible in security terms as it has a multi layered security with proper backup solution in a few clicks.
Security is another reason that most of the businesses are switching to cloud computing technology as it gives a greater security to your data and protects your server from ransomware attacks.
- Backup and Recovery
Traditional computing is having a manual functioning for data backup as it lacks an automated service. It also lacks any disaster recovery service. So, you have to face a lot of problems while working with traditional data centres.
Cloud computing has a well developed structure for data recovery and a well automated functioning for data backup. It can recover your company from any disaster in no time. It also has a proper scaling due to which it can expand or compress itself according to the usage and you don’t have to add any extra resource. This gives you the flexibility in managing your system.
- Software
Cloud software is an on-demand service. You don’t have to install it in your system or purchase a drive to use its applications. You only have to do is request for its services to any cloud service provider. This saves your money as well as time and it also results in the business scalability. Being an scalable solution it can be easily modified according to the changing business needs while in the traditional computing you have to purchase and install the software in your system which takes a lot of time as well as money. It is not a scalable solution so you have to add some extra resources if the workload will increase after a time.
Other than these differences, there are some other aspects also by which we can compare these both platforms. After having the light on both the platforms we can easily conclude the cloud computing as a productive and a reliable solution which fits in your budget as well as changing business needs, that is the reason that nearly every company or a business is using cloud computing for performing various business activities in their system.