Deciphering Cloud Hosting Its Operational Mechanics Explained

If you came to this article, you must have heard about cloud hosting – one of the most secure web hosting types as it relies on using multiple virtual server resources.

This article will explain what cloud hosting is, how it works, and differs from other web hosting types. I’ll also include examples of websites that can benefit from cloud hosting.

Let’s get started.

How Does Cloud Hosting Work?

Usually, web hosting service resources are generated from a single physical server.

In cloud hosting, your website or application will be hosted in interconnected virtual and physical servers. The server resources in cloud hosting are also often called instances or virtual machines (VM).

Basically, the cloud term indicates that the internet is used to process data. The same applies to cloud hosting, which makes websites accessible using cloud servers.

Hence, when you use cloud hosting, your data will be deployed on multiple servers. Meaning, that if one server fails, the rest will cover for it. This can bring the following benefits:

• Improved website uptime.
• Flexible scalability.
• Stronger security.

Cloud Hosting vs. Other Web Hosting Types

After sharing how cloud hosting works and the benefits of using it, this section will break down what makes cloud hosting different from other hosting types.

Cost

Cloud hosting generally costs more than other hosting types with any hosting provider. Thus, do your research to find a web host that can give you the best price range and quality.

Considering the given features and benefits, cloud hosting can still be a cost-effective option despite the higher price.

Furthermore, web owners can pay according to the resources used. Thus, it can be a great fit for websites that need a lot of resources and have a fluctuating traffic number.

Scalability

Flexible server scalability is possible due to the multiple servers cloud environment. It allows one server to expand its resources when it needs extra space in no time.

When looking for an upscale option in traditional hosting, you should upgrade the hosting type and migrate all the stored data. Meanwhile, in cloud hosting, you just have to manage the resource capacity in real-time.

Websites with fluctuating traffic can benefit from this feature as upscaling or downscaling server resources can be hassle-free.

This feature is also available in VPS hosting. However, cloud hosting is a more reliable option since the resource comes in multiple servers while VPS still relies on a single server.

Control

As VPS, cloud hosting comes in managed and unmanaged services.

When you choose cloud hosting, you will be granted full root access to the server. Thus, with the unmanaged service, you’ll need technical knowledge on how to configure a server.

Luckily, cloud-based control panels can ease the process of configuring a cloud server. However, not all hosting companies provide this facility.

On the other hand, if you choose the managed cloud hosting option, your hosting provider will cover all the technical matters. You can just focus on generating your website’s content and contact your hosting provider for any adjustments you need in the server.

Finally, cloud hosting differs from other traditional hosting types, particularly VPS, in its solution’s control. It is automated and controlled using APIs, web portals, and mobile apps.

Resources

Server resources are the biggest advantage of cloud hosting compared to the other hosting types.

When setting up your website using cloud hosting, you will get the essential elements included on the hosting plan, like automatic backups, free domain names, or CDN. It can make the process of building a new website easier.

Moreover, cloud hosting supports SQL or NoSQL databases that can improve large data processing. This aspect can be beneficial for companies or large-scale eCommerce stores that heavily use data storage.

Lastly, in cloud hosting, server uptime is guaranteed to the maximum possibility. If one server shuts or faces problems, another will cover up the damage so that your website will still be accessible.

Security

Since your data is deployed on multiple servers, it can still be safe in the worst case of a cyber attack. The running cloud server infrastructure prevents your website from shutting down.

Cloud hosting’s ability to distribute website saturated traffic can also help prevent your website from DDoS attacks.

Moreover, full root access to your server lets you customize and add any security measures that you prefer.

Types of Websites That Can Benefit From Cloud Hosting

As mentioned above, cloud hosting is convenient for websites that need ample data storage and constantly changing traffic. It is also reliable in terms of security.

Below is the list of website types that can benefit from cloud hosting’s features:

• Over the top (OTT) service – provides television or movie content through the internet. The viewers just have to choose what they want to watch. The most popular OTT streaming service examples include Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max.
• Learning management system (LMS) – accommodates an online learning system environment. It contains features to support the e-learning process, like a discussion room, files submission forms, tests or quizzes, and reports. Examples of popular LMS are Udemy, EdX, Coursera.
• Large-scale eCommerce website – cloud hosting can help enhance an international eCommerce website’s loading speed. Usually, its multiple servers are located worldwide, so your eCommerce site will be connected to the closest physical server to the visitors. Take Amazon as an example.

Conclusion

The interconnected physical and virtual server network makes cloud hosting different from the other traditional hosting types.

The main highlights of cloud hosting features include flexible scalability, improved uptime guarantee, high-quality website performance, and greater security measurements.

It is highly recommended for websites that are required to be running 24/7. It might also be a great choice for websites that need a lot of server resources and want to get extra security features.