Cloud Servers
A cloud server is a compute server that has been virtualized, making its resources accessible to users remotely over a network. Cloud-based servers are intended to provide the same functions, support the same operating systems (OSes) and applications, and offer similar performance characteristics as traditional physical (and virtual) servers that run in a local data center. Cloud servers are often referred to as virtual servers, virtual private servers or virtual platforms.
Cloud servers are an important part of cloud technology. Widespread adoption of server virtualization has largely contributed to the rise and continued growth of utility-style cloud computing. Cloud servers power every type of cloud computing deployment model, from infrastructure as a service (IaaS) to platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS).
Benefits of cloud servers
The choice to use a cloud server will depend on the needs of the organization and its specific application and workload requirements. Some potential benefits include the following:
Ease of use
An administrator can provision a cloud server and connect other services to that server in a matter of minutes. With a public cloud server, an organization does not need to worry about server installation, maintenance or other tasks that come with owning a physical server.
Globalization
Public cloud servers can globalize workloads. With a traditional centralized data center, admins and users can still access workloads globally, but network latency and disruptions can reduce performance for geographically distant users. By hosting duplicate instances of a workload in different global regions, organizations can benefit from faster and often more reliable network access.
Cost and flexibility
Public cloud servers follow a PAYG model. Compared to a physical server and its maintenance costs, this can save an organization money, particularly for workloads that only need to run temporarily or are used infrequently. Cloud servers are often used for temporary workloads, such as software development and testing, as well as for workloads where resources need to be scaled up or down based on demand.
Primary Types of Cloud Servers
Companies large and small have multiple options when it comes to choosing the right cloud server option. The best cloud servers are optimized for specific needs and budgets. What works for a global enterprise might not be right for a mid-market company.
Cloud servers can be deployed in three primary types of clouds
Public cloud
Cloud servers are most commonly deployed via the public cloud. In this scenario, a third-party provider owns and manages the servers and other infrastructure, and gives its customers access to on-demand computing services.
Private cloud
A company can host its own cloud servers privately and maintain control of their management and maintenance. These server resources are not shared with other organizations, but since they are in the cloud, they can be accessed remotely by any employee, typically through a company intranet or VPN.
Hybrid cloud
Public and private clouds can be combined with on-premises cloud servers and off-site cloud servers working together. This hybrid cloud environment gives companies more options and flexibility to maintain control and security when necessary. It also leverages public clouds when they must quickly expand to meet surges in demand.