Cloud Platforms: Revolutionizing Business Operations

Cloud platforms are environments that enable cloud computing. Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services through the internet to enable faster and more accessible resources for users. Cloud platforms allow you to pay as you go rather than paying for and installing software and servers, saving you time and money. 

Many businesses have adopted the use of cloud platforms to enhance their business strategies and streamline operations. Discover the key applications of cloud platforms and how they’re integrated into different organizations, and explore more about the future of this technology.

What are cloud platforms?

Cloud platforms increase scalability, facilitate cost-effective practices, and increase efficiency for businesses and individuals. In 2022, the IoT cloud platform market size worldwide was valued at $17.4 billion and is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6 percent from 2023 to 2030 [1].

Core competencies of cloud platforms

Components of cloud platforms include infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).

IaaS is the most foundational form of cloud computing. It enables you to rent servers and operating systems from a cloud provider. PaaS enables users to implement, test, and deploy software applications in an easier and more accessible way. SaaS allows you to deploy software applications on demand on a subscription basis. The software handles maintenance issues and software updates for you.

Types of cloud platforms

Different types of cloud platforms have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to choose the cloud platform that best fits your needs, starting with the type of cloud platform deployment. The three main types of cloud platform deployment models include:

• Public cloud: Third-party service providers own and operate public clouds. This platform offers computing services and storage via the internet. You can often access these services through a web browser.

• Private cloud: Some businesses and institutions utilize private clouds. These platforms are typically accessible through a private data center and maintained on a private network.

• Hybrid cloud: Hybrid clouds combine at least one private and one public cloud for efficiency, flexibility, and scalability. Authorized users can access customer interactions through the public cloud, whereas businesses access company data through the private cloud. 

Examples of cloud platforms

As with the type of cloud platform deployment models, various cloud platforms are available to choose from as well. Some popular cloud platforms include: 

• IBM Cloud: An artificial intelligence-powered hybrid cloud, IBM Cloud offers a resilient and secure cloud platform for businesses and regulated industries.

• Amazon Web Services (AWS): This is the world’s most widely used cloud platform. It provides businesses with agility, cost-effective options, and quicker innovation.

• Google Cloud: This cloud provides quick data analysis and application deployment and has high-grade security.

Who uses cloud platforms and key applications?

Cloud platforms are directly beneficial to a variety of industries. Each cloud platform is unique, giving it the capability to cater to companies' specific needs. Some industries that benefit from utilizing cloud platforms include the following: 

• Automotive companies utilize cloud platforms to store data, search inventories, and provide seamless customer service with easily accessible data via the cloud. 

• Health care companies utilize cloud platforms to stay connected with patients and coworkers and pull from their data sets to review patient history. 

• Real estate companies utilize cloud platforms to access information on new and old listings, maintain communication with clients, and optimize marketing strategies.

Businesses often benefit from cloud platforms for data storage, minimizing the costs of creating and managing their own data storage servers while ensuring immediate remedies for outages or data breaches. Cloud platforms provide businesses with the ability to easily create, test, and deploy new applications quickly and seamlessly. 

Benefits of using cloud platforms

Businesses can benefit from cloud platforms in a variety of areas. The advantages of integrating cloud platforms into business operations include:

• Scalability: Enables businesses to upgrade resources to accommodate growth

• Cost-effectiveness: Reduces infrastructure costs through pay-as-you-go pricing models

• Productivity: Increases productivity by eliminating unnecessary resources

• Accessibility: Provides access to advanced technologies (AI, edge computing, IoT)

• Efficiency: Reduces carbon footprint and implements a reduction in energy consumption

Challenges and considerations of cloud platforms

Although integrating cloud platforms into business operations can provide many benefits, organizations may face some potential challenges when adopting new cloud programs: 

• Data security concerns: Since cloud platforms rely on third-party providers, it’s more difficult for businesses to guarantee the protection of confidential information within their databases. 

• Potential vendor lock-in: A company may become dependent on a cloud platform service, and since it’s so heavily integrated into its business, it may be difficult and costly to switch service providers. 

• Lack of compliance with data regulations: This issue is particularly prevalent when businesses share confidential, personal data with cloud platforms. Institutions need to ensure they comply with all of the data laws and put the proper security protocols in place before utilizing cloud platforms. 

• Potential data loss: If your cloud platform goes down, you could lose all of your data stored within the cloud.

The future of cloud platforms

Cloud platforms have the potential to significantly transform and advance a wide range of industries by offering scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions. As businesses increasingly shift toward integrating cloud platforms, developing a deep understanding of cloud technology becomes essential for effectively integrating these systems into their daily workflows. Proper implementation of cloud platforms can enhance operational efficiency and streamline workflows. 

To successfully leverage the full capabilities of cloud technologies, businesses should consider hiring experienced cloud engineers and architects who specialize in designing, deploying, and streamlining cloud-based systems. These professionals can help ensure seamless integration, mitigate potential risks, and align cloud platforms with the company’s long-term goals.

Learn more about cloud platforms on Coursera

As artificial intelligence evolves, cloud platforms become more deeply integrated into various institutions. Expand your knowledge of cloud solutions on Coursera with the AWS Cloud Technology Consultant Professional Certificate, where you’ll learn in-demand skills to advise clients on using cloud technology to meet business objectives, or gain the skills and knowledge to design architectural solutions with the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Professional Certificate.