A Cloud server is a physical or virtual server that is hosted on the Internet and is accessed through a Cloud Computing platform. In this post, we will explain what a Cloud server is, what its key characteristics are, and the main reasons to choose it for our company.
What is a cloud server?
A Cloud server is an infrastructure that can be physical or virtual and that offers storage and computing capacity to host your applications. A Cloud server is based on the Cloud service model called Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), according to which virtualized hardware and processing infrastructure is offered.
There are two types of Cloud servers:
Logical, when delivered through virtualization of the underlying physical server, which is logically distributed across multiple virtual servers, each with its operating system, user interface, and applications.
Physical, when direct access is made to a physical server through the Cloud, which is also known as a dedicated server.
Cloud server: features
The main characteristics of a Cloud server are:
As we have seen, it provides a physical, virtual or combined infrastructure, which offers the same characteristics of a local server, but accessible through the Cloud.
It offers advanced tools, available both as a console and through APIs, that allow the infrastructure and automated services to be managed in real time.
It is highly resistant to physical failure, due to its abstraction and redundant deployment.
It is flexible and scalable, and its computing characteristics can be sized in real time.
It provides a pay-as-you-go model, which allows cost savings. In addition, it centralizes in a single payment both the physical resources contracted, as well as the software licenses (operating systems and applications).
Cloud server: how to customize it
Perhaps, the most important advantage of a Cloud server is that it provides us with infinite configuration combinations, which can be modified in real time and adapted to your computing requirements and your budget. In this sense, typical commercial Cloud server offerings allow you to customize:
Number of CPUs available with different processing speeds.
Amount of RAM.
Storage space, both on traditional hard drives (HDD) and the fastest solid-state devices (SSD).
Transfer fee, which can be unlimited.
Possibility of private network between servers.
IP addresses.
Support for typical operating systems: Windows Server, Ubuntu Server, CentOS, Debian GNU / Linux, Fedora Server, Slackware, etc.
Ability to quickly install the most common applications and development environments, such as: Joomla, WordPress, Moodle, Drupal, Prestashop, Docker, Ruby on Rails, etc.
Support for the main database managers: MySQL, PostgreSSQL, MongoDB, MariaDB, etc.
Possibility of location in national or European data centers, to guarantee compliance with data protection regulations.
Managed cloud server
Although it provides important benefits and advantages, the administration of a Cloud server service can be complex and requires highly specialized personnel. In this sense, a solution commonly offered by the main providers is the managed Cloud Server. This service allows clients to benefit from all the power of the Cloud by focusing on their core business and leaving the management of the service in the hands of experts. That includes:
Design and deployment of the platform.
Migration from local servers.
System Administration.
User Management.
Reallocation of resources according to the performance needs of the applications.
Management and backup
According to Transparency Market Research, the global market for managed cloud services will grow at an annual rate of 9.6% in the coming years.
How to choose the best Cloud server?
If you are convinced of the benefits that a Cloud server can offer, you will need some criteria to be able to choose the best offers on the market. Take into account these three factors:
Technology: the server must provide a powerful, fast and scalable infrastructure.
The cost: has to be able to adapt to your budget.
The provider: the choice of provider is key, as the cost of migration can be high.
