Cloud server (server in the cloud) — what is it?
If you are wondering what the term "cloud server" means, what a cloud server is, we answer: it is a virtualized computing hardware-software complex that is available over the network. Thanks to modern virtualization technologies, cloud servers emulate physical dedicated servers, support the same operating systems, and perform the same functions without any loss of performance.
Many people are confused about what a virtual server is. Virtual storage is essentially the same as cloud servers. A cloud server is a new approach in organizing computing power: since the server is virtual, there are wide opportunities to configure computing resources, memory, and other parameters, allowing clients to customize the machine for their specific needs and, if necessary, adjust the configuration on the fly.
How Does a Cloud Server Work?
Cloud servers are isolated virtual copies of physical servers created using specialized software. In other words, a single powerful server or a server cluster is divided into several independent servers, each of which can handle different tasks simultaneously. These servers are accessible to users from anywhere in the world via the network — effectively forming a cloud of servers.
Clouds and Cloud Servers
It is fair to say that cloud servers are a real milestone in the development of cloud technologies. Cloud services have provided almost anyone with access to computing power. This allows anyone with internet access to utilize vast resources (services, data storage, data processing servers, etc.), which, in turn, has spurred the rapid growth of new ideas, startups, and the internet as a whole.
Since a cloud server is a fully functional analog of a physical service, it is important to note that it supports all cloud computing delivery models:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) — providing users with virtualized computing resources (servers/storage);
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) — providing a cloud environment with a hardware-software complex for application development, running on a virtual server;
- Software as a Service (SaaS) — providing ready-to-use managed software through the cloud.
Thus, cloud virtual servers are an important and in-demand tool for solving a wide range of tasks.
Virtual Server Models
There are three main models for cloud server deployment:
- Public virtual servers;
- Private virtual servers;
- Hybrid cloud.
Public servers are delivered based on the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) principle. The main product is a virtual machine, or compute instance, hosted on the provider's infrastructure and accessible to the customer via a console or web interface.
Private cloud servers technically do not differ from public cloud servers. The difference is that the virtual machine is hosted in the organization's internal cloud. Only authorized personnel can access these servers, typically employees. Private clouds are used for highly confidential storage and processing. They can be hosted on dedicated servers in data centers if needed.
Hybrid cloud combines local infrastructure with public or private cloud servers.
Should You Switch to Cloud Servers?
Deciding to move to cloud services depends on your goals. Today, it is much more reliable and easier to transfer operations to the cloud, eliminating the need for costly hardware and staff to maintain it. Your data will be stored in a data center equipped with fire suppression systems, uninterruptible power supplies, and maintained by top specialists focused on keeping your infrastructure in proper working order.
If you prefer to keep everything in-house but need more computing power, you can move the user-side of applications to the cloud for load balancing and improved productivity without upgrading equipment or redesigning infrastructure. For this, contact XServer! We are ready to offer you the optimal solution!