Getting your business organized is no easy feat, and it is essential that you use tools to outsource where possible.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) was born on April 7th, 2008. It features a collection of cloud computing services that allow users to provision servers, configure large networks, and manage infrastructures.
In short, the system enables users to multi-task under a single online umbrella. This is crucial if your business provides a service to customers, and where time is precious.
In addition to the management of infrastructure, GCP is also useful for a vast range of other essential tasks. Development of apps, machine learning, data storage, data analytics, and computing can also be included.
This flexibility makes it a top choice for IT professionals, such as developers and administrators.
Here at Romain Berg, we consider GCP to be an essential tool which can really boost your business. Read on to find out why we are such fans!
Cloud computing: A crash course
Before we get into the details and specifics of GCP, let’s cover the basics. In short, cloud computing involves offering facilities such as servers, storage, databases, and applications online via the Internet.
In times gone by, information, applications, and data were usually stored on a hard drive, requiring extensive hardware and software. This was time-consuming, as each application required installation, configuration, running and testing, security, and maintenance.
Those files were also large in size, making the process even more laborious. The physical restrictions of the old model also made data tricky to access and not totally secure. Cloud storage, however, saves the information on a remote database and is accessible from anywhere in the world via the Internet.
Cloud computing allows users to outsource computer programs to an external party and stored on the Cloud. This ability eliminates issues with storage limits, access to data, and offers a more secure method of interacting.
There is no need to spend valuable time maintaining and managing software and hardware. Instead, this role is outsourced to vendors. Cloud storage is also faster, allowing for increased productivity and better value for money – essential considerations for smaller businesses.
Some of the primary services typically outsourced to the Cloud include:
- Storage, backup and data recovery
- Email services
- Building and testing of applications
- Audio and video streaming
- Creating a workspace
- Analyzing data
- Offering software on-demand to users
Public, private or hybrid?
There are three main types of services offered in Cloud computing; public, private, and hybrid.
Public services
Third parties own and manage public cloud services; they offer these services over the Internet for a charge. This third party handles all infrastructure, updates, and maintenance. Users simply use the services and manage a personal account using a specific web browser.
The advantage to public services is access–anyone can secure public cloud services free of charge or as part of a subscription. The downside to public cloud service is usually loading and streaming speeds.
Private services
Usually located on-site at a company, these services are only available for a select group, such as a business. The network is private, and all infrastructure is the responsibility of that network.
Hybrid services
As the name suggests, hybrid cloud services select elements from the public and private to form a combination that is flexible and user-friendly.
The advantages of Google Cloud Platform
GCP is not the only cloud computing service on the market, but it is one of the best. Some of the significant advantages over competitors include:
Scalability
One of the main issues with many platforms of this type are difficulties in downscaling – essential for smaller, local businesses. GCP, however, makes downscaling easy and affordable and allows companies to only pay for precisely what they need.
This makes GCP an excellent choice for smaller businesses with only a few employees and ensures you aren’t wasting money on unused services.
The power of Google
One of the significant advantages GCP has over the competition of the sheer size of the brand. The Google Network is one of the biggest in the world, and one of the fastest. Information and data can be shared across the globe at a moment’s notice – perfect if you have multiple offices or centers.
Flexible pricing
The best news for small businesses is the flexibility of GCP. They offer different tiers depending on the nature of your business, as well as four main financial incentives:
- Sub hour billing: if you only need half an hour, you will only be charged for half an hour. This is pretty unique to the Google Cloud Platform; most other providers will automatically round this up to an hour.
- Custom machine type: only pay for the exact amount of memory and CPU power required for a specific application, this can slash costs by up to 15%.
- Sustained use discount: using the computing resources for a sustained period could net you a 25% discount.
- Preemptible instances: This software can enable other systems built with fault tolerance, cutting your costs.
Easy collaboration
Many business owners are familiar with the user-friendly collaborative software offered by Google, including Google Docs and Google Sheets. The GCP allows users all over the world to access and edit projects simultaneously. This can increase productivity and save money by enabling remote working.
Superior integration
One of the best things about the GCP is that everything just works. Multiple applications can be run simultaneously, depending on your business needs. These include storage, security, APIs, databases, developer tools, and analytical tools.
For more on Google analytical tools, check out our article on Google Search Console.
Powerful analytics
If your company relies heavily on facts, figures, and data analysis, Google Cloud Platform is a great fit. The inclusion of BigQuery and Dataflow allows for very strong data processing and analytics, making your life easier. This will enable you to use the data collected more effectively and efficiently, boosting productivity.
Can GCP help me?
For smaller businesses, time and productivity are the key priorities. Google Data Platform is a great way to integrate activities, tailor your platform, and save time and money. The ability to downscale is particularly valuable for smaller businesses and means you can account for every penny.
If you are looking to streamline maintenance, boost productivity, and take your business to the next level, we can help. Get in touch with Romain Berg today for more information. It is time to see how your business could be transformed by switching to Cloud Computing with the ultimate provider.
