What are the advantages and disadvantages of migrating to a cloud server? I'll explain it from the basics that you can't hear about now!

This is Narita from the marketing department!

Many companies and organizations use cloud servers because of their low cost and convenience. However, there are some advantages that only physical servers have, and their superiority and inferiority cannot be determined with certainty.

When selecting a server to use, it is important to understand the characteristics of both physical servers and cloud servers.

This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of migrating to a cloud server. The content is easy to understand even for non-engineers, so please read until the end!

First of all, what is “cloud”?

Cloud refers to the concept of using IT services such as servers and storage applications via the Internet.

Previously, when installing software or operating a server to use a service, you had to prepare and manage your own hardware, and there were restrictions on where you could use it.

However, with the advent of the cloud, services can now be used no matter where you are as long as you have access to the Internet.

Services provided from the cloud

Clouds can be broadly divided into three types depending on the services provided by cloud providers: SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS.

●SaaS (Software as a Service)

A service that provides software and application functions via the Internet. Traditionally, when using software, you had to install it, but by using the cloud, you can use services without that hassle.

There are a wide variety of types, and representative examples include Gmail provided by Google and the chat tool Chatwork.

● PaaS (Platform as a Service)

A service that provides a development environment platform for building applications via the Internet. Middleware and databases are also provided, so there is no need to prepare or maintain infrastructure, allowing users to focus on development.

Representative PaaS products include Amazon Web Services (AWS)'s Elastic Beanstalk, Microsoft Azure's App Service, and Google Cloud's App Engine.

● Infrastructure as a Service

A service that provides infrastructure such as servers, networks, and OS to operate the platform via the Internet. You can access virtual servers provided by IaaS and freely build platforms and develop applications on that infrastructure.

Typical IaaS products include infrastructure-centric services such as Amazon EC2 from AWS, Virtual Machines from Microsoft Azure, and Compute Engine from Google Cloud.

So what is a cloud server?

A cloud server refers to a virtual server on the Internet, and you can rent a server provided by a business operator via a network. Unlike regular computers, cloud servers are created within physical servers located in remote data centers.

It is easy to use and reduces initial costs because there is no need to prepare a physical server on your own.

* Even though it is called a cloud server, there is a data center somewhere in this world where physical server hardware is installed, so it does not mean that there is nothing at all.

How cloud servers became popular in Japan

The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake is said to have been the trigger for cloud computing to gain attention in Japan. Due to the earthquake, many companies and organizations lost their on-premises data centers and servers, making it difficult for them to continue their operations.

* Click here for information on the status of business continuity in the affected areas during the earthquake.

Cloud technology has been adopted to overcome this situation.

At the time of the earthquake, access to local government websites for information gathering was concentrated, making connections difficult. At that time, various cloud providers provided cloud services free of charge not only in the vicinity of the disaster area but also in the affected metropolitan area, greatly contributing to disaster recovery.

After the earthquake, the Japanese government also recognized the importance of the cloud and encouraged the use of cloud services for data protection and business continuity in the event of a disaster. Starting from this incident, cloud usage rapidly expanded in Japan as well.

About the difference from physical servers

As the name suggests, a physical server refers to a server that physically exists, and is often managed and operated by companies and organizations themselves. Compared to cloud servers, the appeal is the high degree of flexibility that allows you to freely customize the hardware and software within your company.

However, if you want to increase capacity, you will need to add another server, which will incur high costs. Additionally, maintenance and effort are required to maintain physical servers.

On the other hand, with cloud servers, you can increase capacity by simply changing the contract details, making it possible to reduce costs compared to physical servers. Additionally, since the cloud service provider (cloud provider) maintains the server, you can save time and money on maintenance.

About the benefits of using a cloud server

cost reduction

Cloud servers can reduce costs compared to owning physical servers.
Not only can you reduce the cost of purchasing and maintaining hardware, but you can also reduce operating costs such as the space to store it and the energy needed to run it.

Flexibility and scalability

Cloud servers allow you to expand resources as needed, allowing for flexible support as your company grows.
It provides a highly scalable environment as it can flexibly respond to increases in traffic and business changes.

* Scalability refers to the extensibility of systems and software. The functions and performance required of the system change depending on the situation, so can the functions be improved and expanded accordingly? represents the structure of

Security and reliability

Load balancing for data backup and disaster recovery is another advantage of cloud servers. Providing a reliable server infrastructure can help your company minimize business risks.

Simplify and streamline management

With cloud servers, you can leave the management of your hardware and (partially) software to your cloud provider.

Cloud providers handle hardware maintenance, upgrades, and security patches on your behalf, simplifying and streamlining management and allowing businesses to focus on more strategic operations.

Disadvantages of using cloud servers

The running cost of the cloud server itself may be high.

Cloud servers are said to have low initial costs, but the running costs of the cloud server itself can be higher than physical servers.

The reason is that while cloud servers do not require any costs for purchasing or maintaining hardware or software, cloud servers generally use a monthly pay-as-you-go system. Running costs will be incurred depending on the time. In particular, the amount of data used fluctuates depending on user access status and business activity, so there are cases where the cost of a cloud server ends up being higher than expected when you were planning to introduce it.

If you want to entrust the construction of a cloud server

Using cloud servers is essential for a company's sustainable growth and innovation, but if you are considering migrating to a cloud server, careful advance planning and knowledge and technology regarding cloud servers are essential. is required.

However, if a company or organization does not have the knowledge or technology regarding cloud servers, it is important to make choices such as outsourcing to an appropriate IT vendor. While actively utilizing the latest technology, it is important to take an approach that is tailored to the company's business.

At Beyond, we utilize the technical capabilities we have cultivated as a multi-cloud integrator and managed service provider (MSP) since our founding to design, build, and migrate using various cloud/server platforms such as AWS, GCP, Azure, and Oracle Cloud. I went there.

We provide custom-made cloud/server environments that are optimized for customers according to the specifications and functions of the systems and applications they require, so if you are interested in cloud servers, please feel free to contact us. please.

● Cloud/server design/construction
● Cloud/server migration/migration
● Cloud/server operation, maintenance, and monitoring (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)

Thank you for watching until the end!