Nowadays, in our daily lives and our corporate activities, we never forget the word cloud. We are now in an era where many services are available in the cloud service (via the network). And many services are provided according to the purpose such as for consumers and businesses. So how do you use cloud services properly?
After confirming the functions and usage of the cloud, let’s see what kind of use cases there are for business improvement.
Difference between public cloud and private cloud
Cloud (cloud computing) refers to a system that allows functions such as storage, network, and server to be used via a network regardless of location, time, or terminal type. Furthermore, using the cloud has the advantage that information can be shared by multiple people, and costs can be reduced compared to having the necessary equipment and systems individually.
When using such a cloud for a corporation, you have to choose between a public cloud and a private cloud. Let’s see the difference.
Public cloud
The public cloud can be used by anyone (company/individual) who wants to use it anytime, anywhere, regardless of time or place, as long as it can connect to the Internet.
Individuals and businesses that use it do not own their servers or storage, just use cloud services and can use them in the same state as they own such functions.
Major companies that provide public cloud services include Google, Microsoft, and IBM. Furthermore, in addition to the public cloud services of these companies, Softbank, which can provide its public cloud services and cloud solutions, can be said to be a representative company.
- Services provided: Storage functions and various software for storing large amounts of data are available from the public cloud. For example, if you make a contract with a manufacturer that provides a cloud version of accounting software without having to prepare the accounting software yourself, you can use the accounting software. In addition, various software such as creative software and office software are provided in the cloud.
- Merit: The merit of using the public cloud is easy. Since it is shared with many users, the cost can be significantly reduced compared to arranging it on your own. Another advantage is that it can be completed in a short time from the contract to the start of use. Furthermore, system management and maintenance are performed by the company that provides the cloud service, so there is no burden.
- Disadvantages: The advantage is that it is not a system prepared by an individual or a company, so it is easy and less burdensome, but if a failure or malfunction occurs, there are many parts that the user cannot control, and in that case, the company that provides it. It can be said that the disadvantage is that there is no choice but to wait for the response.
Private cloud
A private cloud is a service provided only for a specific company that uses it. Since it is not provided to an unspecified number of users, it is possible to build a system that is easy for users to use.
- Advantages / Disadvantages: The biggest advantage is that the system is highly versatile because it is a system specialized for the usability of the company that uses it. Furthermore, while the public cloud was characterized by sharing resources with other companies, the private cloud occupies resources, so it is possible to take strong security measures in terms of security.
On the other hand, the big disadvantage is that it is generally expensive.
Purpose and examples of public cloud usage
Considering the ease of introduction, including cost, the use of public clouds will be considered first. Let’s check each case to see what purpose the public cloud is used for.
Shared IT infrastructure
Whether you are an individual or a company, we utilize cloud services to use business systems, information systems, and convenient applications. Specifically, use servers, network systems, software, databases, etc.
- Example: Kumagai Gumi Co., Ltd., which introduced “White Cloud ASPIRE” provided by SoftBank, originally operated the system on-premises, but due to cost reviews, the server infrastructure was changed to the cloud service “White Cloud ASPIRE”. It has moved to. As a result, it is no longer necessary to update the equipment according to its life cycle, and stable system operation has become possible.
Data management and storage and development
Saving and analyzing a large amount of data accumulated during corporate activities and utilizing it for marketing is an important action for developing a business. We will use cloud services to manage these stably.
- Example: At Yushima Seisakusho Co., Ltd., which uses “G Suite (currently Google Workspace)” provided by Google, G Suite (currently Google Workspace), which has data centers all over the world, speeds up access from overseas bases. It has been realized, and it has also realized the construction of a highly functional document management application linked with Google Drive.
What to expect from cloud service
Various companies are actively using cloud services, but let’s see what kind of cloud services can be expected in the future in some fields.
Utilization in local governments
An increasing number of local governments are trying to improve efficiency by introducing cloud services where it used to take time and personnel to do business. For example, it is being put to practical use in Adachi-Ku and Toshima-Ku, Tokyo, and the government is actively promoting the introduction of local government clouds. According to the June 2018 “Efforts to Promote the Introduction of Local Government Clouds” announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the World’s Most Advanced Digital National Creation Declaration proposes the promotion of cloud introductions by local governments, and the Basic Resident Register and Tax Affairs.・ By managing and operating information systems and data such as welfare in an external data center and sharing them with multiple local governments, we aim to improve convenience for residents and further improve work efficiency. increase.
Medical field
If we can build an environment where we can share the contents of weight management, diet management, exercise management, etc. as a database after thoroughly considering the management method of personal information, we will support the health maintenance of each person while utilizing the information at an appropriate medical institution. There is a possibility that a system to do so can be created.
Insurance field
According to the “Strategic Utilization of Clouds” announced by the Bank of Japan, the usage ratio of cloud services in mission-critical business systems is higher in the life insurance, non-life insurance, securities, and credit industries than in banks. ..
Since every company handles customer information, it is easy to think that it is difficult to utilize cloud services because it requires careful consideration in terms of security. However, by utilizing cloud services that can manage and analyze large amounts of data, it is likely that the possibility of developing products that better match needs and reduce costs will increase.
summary
It is no exaggeration to say that corporate activities will not be possible without cloud services, and the number of companies using cloud services is increasing. On the other hand, security issues are major, and it is also important how to protect confidential information so that it can be used with peace of mind.
Even under such circumstances, the use of cloud services is inevitable when considering business efficiency.
In other words, by taking security measures, the possibilities will increase in the future.
Let’s start by consulting with a company that has specialized knowledge and a proven track record.
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