What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is a model for accessing shared computing resources — such as servers, storage, applications, and networking — over a network, typically on demand.

Basically, cloud computing lets you use computing resources hosted elsewhere without owning and maintaining all the underlying infrastructure yourself.

What is the cloud?

The cloud is a set of systems and components that lay the foundation for remote storage and computing.

Chances are you have a computer with a hard drive. The computer processes data while your hard drive stores your important files, photos, and documents.

In contrast to your local computer, cloud computing relies on physical infrastructure located in a provider’s or organization’s data center rather than on the device in front of you. This collection of systems and hardware is known as cloud infrastructure.

Types of clouds

The three most common cloud deployment models are public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud.

Public cloud

This refers to cloud infrastructure operated by a third-party provider and made available to multiple customers. Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud are prominent examples. Organizations often choose public cloud services for their scalability, broad service selection, and ability to reduce investments in physical infrastructure.

Private cloud

A private cloud is cloud infrastructure dedicated to a single organization, giving the organization more control over its environment and access policies. Government agencies and other entities that require more control over their IT infrastructure often leverage the private cloud. The company itself or a trusted third party can manage the private cloud.

Hybrid cloud

A hybrid cloud combines public cloud, private cloud, and on-premises infrastructure so organizations can use multiple environments based on their operational needs. You might choose the hybrid cloud if you occasionally need additional computing resources to avoid experiencing downtime during spikes in network traffic.

What are the types of cloud computing services?

There are three main types of cloud computing services: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).

1. Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

Infrastructure as a service, or IaaS, provides virtualized computing resources, such as processing, storage, and networking. Customers typically manage the operating systems, applications, and configurations, while the provider manages the underlying physical infrastructure. Think of it as leasing the physical hardware.

2. Platform as a service (PaaS)

Platform as a service, or PaaS, provides a managed environment for developing and deploying applications. The provider manages the underlying infrastructure and operating environment, allowing developers to focus more heavily on their applications.

3. Software as a service (SaaS)

Software as a service, or SaaS, provides access to a complete application managed by the vendor. Customers use and configure the software without managing its underlying infrastructure, operating system, or application maintenance.

What are the security risks of cloud computing?

Any type of technology with an internet connection has security risks, including cloud computing. Here are three major security risks that you should know about.

1. Data breaches

Data breaches are one of the top security threats of cloud computing. These tend to come from two main sources: misconfigurations and threat actors (or hackers).

Misconfigurations in cloud computing might expose data intended to be private. Alternatively, threat actors can use social engineering, such as phishing, to compromise cloud accounts.

This is where cyber hygiene best practices come in handy. When choosing a cloud provider, be sure to fully understand how it'll work to protect your data — and how it's prepared to take action if the worst happens.

2. Ransomware

Just like in on-prem environments, cloud infrastructure is susceptible to threats, such as ransomware. Attackers may compromise cloud accounts, encrypt or delete stored data, or target connected backups and applications. Cloud capabilities such as immutable backups, versioning, infrastructure-as-code, and geographically distributed storage may improve recovery, but only when organizations configure and protect them appropriately.

3. Compliance concerns

Many organizations handle information that must be able to pass compliance standards. For example, organizations that use cloud services to create, receive, maintain, or transmit electronic protected health information generally need an appropriate business associate agreement with the cloud service provider. Both parties must also satisfy the HIPAA requirements that apply to their respective roles.

It’s critical that you make sure your cloud providers meet relevant compliance standards.

What are the benefits of cloud computing?

Cloud computing can reduce up-front infrastructure costs, improve scalability, and shift some maintenance responsibilities to a provider. Organizations can add or reduce computing resources as needs change without purchasing and maintaining the same amount of physical hardware.

Another benefit for sysadmins is reduced infrastructure overhead. Depending on the service model, organizations can shift some infrastructure maintenance, patching, backup, and software-update responsibilities to the cloud provider. However, customers remain responsible for the workloads, configurations, identities, and data assigned to them under the provider’s shared-responsibility model.

How does cloud computing support remote IT management?

Cloud computing lets IT teams manage internet-connected endpoints without requiring those devices to be on the corporate network. With cloud-based endpoint management, admins can inventory devices, deploy software, apply patches, run scripts, and troubleshoot supported endpoints from anywhere they can connect to the internet.

This approach is especially useful for remote and hybrid workforces. Devices can move between office, home, field, and other networks while IT teams maintain visibility and management capabilities without waiting for users to reconnect to the corporate LAN or VPN.

How does PDQ use cloud computing?

PDQ is a cloud-native, agent-based endpoint management platform for Windows and macOS devices. An agent installed on each managed device communicates with PDQ over the internet, giving admins visibility and control whenever the device is online.

IT teams can use PDQ to:

• Patch Windows and macOS devices

• Deploy software to remote endpoints

• Run scripts and automate workflows

• View device inventory, patch status, and deployment results

• Remotely troubleshoot supported devices

Because the PDQ agent communicates outbound with PDQ’s cloud infrastructure, supported endpoint management workflows do not require devices to connect to the corporate LAN or a VPN.

Cloud computing FAQs

Does PDQ support remote device management over the internet?

Yes. PDQ uses an agent installed on each managed Windows or macOS device to communicate over the internet. IT admins can manage supported devices whenever they are online without requiring a connection to the corporate LAN or VPN.

Can PDQ deploy software and patches to remote devices?

Yes. PDQ can deploy software and patches to internet-connected Windows and macOS devices, including devices used by remote and hybrid employees. Supported deployment and patching workflows do not require a VPN.

Does PDQ work for fully remote and hybrid workforces?

Yes. PDQ's cloud-native, agent-based architecture lets IT teams manage supported devices across office, home, field, and other networks from a web-based management platform.

Ready to elevate your software deployments and device management to the cloud? Check out our agent-based solution by starting a 14-day trial of PDQ.