Church Website Ideas
  • Web Design
  • Web Content
  • Web Security
  • Web Traffic
  • Tools & Resources
  • Perspectives
Defined: What Is The Cloud?

Defined: What Is The Cloud?

By: Jesse Orndorff|Posted in: Tools & Resources

Image Credit: mnsc @fickr

The internet is always changing, it is always adapting, and it is always has something new to offer. The concept of the cloud is not a new one, but the internet is now in a place to make all our of cloud computing dreams possible.

Let’s take a look at what exactly this cloud thing is.

Cloud computing refers to internet based computing that utilizes distant servers for data storage and management, providing software and information to computers and other devices.  Certain web services including Flickr, Google Docs, Jing and others might be utilized for the performance of functions that were traditionally carried out through software installed on individual devices.

The term “cloud” basically refers to a number of abstracted internet services offered by a provider. Ever since the inception of cloud computing, the ways people used have been altered to a great extent. The structuring and running of sites like Facebook and Twitter as well services like Google docs and Gmail are all the gifts of “Cloud”.

The Basic Concept

The basic concept of cloud lies in the fact that it utilizes resources from the computer as a collective virtual computer where the applications are floating in a cloud of resources rendering the hardware less important for the functioning of applications.

Three Main Types

There are three major categories of cloud computing services:

  • Infrastructure-as-a-service
  • Platform-as-a-service
  • Software-as-a-service

Infrastructure-as-a-service provides virtual servers and storage as per the user’s requirement.

Platform-as-a-service comprises the set of software and product development tools that are delivered by a service provider to control the server resource.

Software-as-a-service is the deployment of software over internet that requires no local server installation and can be availed through pay per use or subscription based payment methods.

Only What’s Needed

Cloud computing enables the user to utilize any degree of available resources depending upon one’s requirement while reducing the need of specific hardware for every job. Reduced cost, increased storage, automatic updates, mobility and computing flexibility are some of the benefits that are associated with cloud computing.

Impact to the Church

We have already seen Google roll out Google Apps, which provides cloud based documents, email, and file storage. This type of service lowers the costs for churches, providing on demand software. Rather than paying large licensing fees for something you may not use, you can scale your needs as you grow.

This also is affecting church websites. If we develop out sites using a hosting platform that is cloud based, we can add services based on need as the site grows, rather than having to move hosts or pay more larger upfront costs.

No related posts found

July 7, 2015 Jesse Orndorff

About the author

Jesse Orndorff

Jesse Orndorff is a professional website designer from Seattle. Jesse is the founder of Glean, a church website design studio. He is also the owner of Bearded Design, a web development company that provides websites to small businesses.

← 6 Great Apps for Your Jailbroken iOS Device
Holiday Apple Gift Guide for Church Creatives →

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment

Copyright © A Bright I Creative LLC | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Wordpress + Striking by KaptinLin
About Church Website Ideas | Revenue/Affiliate Disclosure
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue using the website, I'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Reject Learn More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT