What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the practice of storing and accessing data and programs over the internet rather than on a computer’s local hard drive. It utilizes the metaphorical concept of the cloud, which represents the internet as a vast server-farm infrastructure that provides hardware and software services to users. Unlike traditional local storage, cloud computing allows for remote access to data and programs, enabling users to sync and access their information from anywhere with an internet connection.

For individual consumers, cloud computing impacts everyday activities by integrating with various computer applications. Examples include web-based software that utilizes cloud storage, such as Microsoft Office for the Web, as well as file-synchronization and backup services like Dropbox, Box, IDrive, and SugarSync. Chromebooks exemplify a cloud-centric device that operates primarily online, with apps, media, and storage all being web-based. While cloud computing offers convenience and cost-effectiveness, it is not without downsides. Issues such as reliance on internet access and potential service disruptions can pose challenges, and the cost of high bandwidth usage can be a consideration. Nevertheless, cloud computing has become an integral part of modern technology and is expected to persist in the future.

Source: https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-cloud-computing

What Is Cloud Computing? | Microsoft Azure

Cloud computing is a transformative approach to managing IT resources that offers numerous benefits for organizations. It represents a departure from traditional methods and provides advantages such as cost savings, faster operations, global scalability, increased productivity, enhanced performance, improved reliability, and heightened security. Cloud computing encompasses different deployment models, including public, private, and hybrid clouds, each offering distinct advantages. Public clouds, like Microsoft Azure, are owned and operated by third-party providers, delivering computing resources over the internet. Private clouds are exclusive to a single business and can be located on-premises or hosted by third-party providers. Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds, enabling seamless data and application sharing. Cloud computing services are categorized into four main types: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), serverless computing, and software as a service (SaaS). IaaS involves renting IT infrastructure on a pay-as-you-go basis. PaaS provides an on-demand environment for developing and managing software applications without infrastructure concerns. SaaS delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Serverless computing focuses on building application functionality without server management. Cloud computing finds widespread use across various sectors, and many everyday activities, such as email, document editing, media consumption, and file storage, are made possible through cloud services. Microsoft is a prominent cloud computing provider, offering a comprehensive range of services through Microsoft Azure. For more information and resources on cloud computing, including comparisons with other providers and best practices, users can explore Microsoft’s cloud platform and related guides, webinars, and frequently asked questions.

Source: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/cloud-computing-dictionary/what-is-cloud-computing/

What is cloud computing? | IBM

Cloud computing is a paradigm that offers various models of cloud services: SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service), and IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service). SaaS refers to cloud-based applications accessible through web browsers or dedicated clients, usually with subscription-based pricing. PaaS provides developers with a complete software stack and infrastructure to develop and manage applications without the need for on-premises maintenance. IaaS offers on-demand access to computing resources such as servers, networking, and storage over the internet, allowing users to scale resources as needed. Additionally, there is serverless computing, which offloads infrastructure management tasks to the cloud provider, enabling developers to focus on application code and business logic while paying only for resources used during runtime. It is important to note that serverless computing includes a subset known as FaaS (Function-as-a-Service), which allows execution of specific code functions in response to events.

Source: https://www.ibm.com/topics/cloud-computing

What is cloud computing? Everything you need to know about the cloud explained

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of various computing services, such as servers, storage, databases, software, and analytics, over the Internet. Instead of owning their own computing infrastructure, companies can rent access to these services from cloud service providers. This allows them to avoid upfront costs and complexities associated with maintaining their own IT infrastructure and instead pay for what they use. Cloud computing offers benefits such as faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale for both providers and customers. It covers a wide range of services, from basic storage and networking to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence. Cloud computing is increasingly becoming the default option for many applications, with software vendors offering their products as services over the internet. However, there are potential downsides, including new costs and risks. The concept of cloud computing has been around since the early 2000s, but the idea of computing as a service dates back to the 1960s. Different types of cloud services include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). While SaaS is the most commonly known form, IaaS and PaaS have been growing at faster rates. Companies are also looking to diversify their cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in and find the best mix of technologies. Cloud computing offers benefits such as business agility, scalability, and cost savings, but there are challenges such as data migration and skills shortages. The adoption of cloud computing is expected to continue growing, with organizations increasingly adopting a cloud-first approach for their digital strategies. Security concerns exist, but cloud services often provide better security than in-house systems.

Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-cloud-computing-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-cloud/

What is the cloud? | Cloud definition

The cloud refers to servers accessed over the Internet, along with the software and databases that run on those servers. It allows users and businesses to access files and applications from various devices since the computing and storage occur on servers in data centers. Cloud computing eliminates the need for managing physical servers and enables outsourcing of infrastructure needs. It also facilitates international operations by providing access to files and applications from any location. Cloud computing relies on virtualization technology, which creates simulated virtual computers running on shared physical machines. Virtual machines offer efficient resource utilization and scalability. Cloud services encompass infrastructure, applications, development tools, and data storage, categorized as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). Function-as-a-Service (FaaS), or serverless computing, is an emerging model where applications are broken into smaller components and scale dynamically. Cloud infrastructure encompasses the resources necessary for hosting and building applications. There are various cloud deployment types, including public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud. Cloudflare assists businesses in moving to and operating in the cloud by providing network security, management, and serverless integration. The cloud differs from the traditional client-server model as it involves running programs and storing data on the client’s behalf. The term the cloud originated as a metaphor for the Internet’s servers and infrastructure, and it has become widely adopted. Containers, like virtual machines, are a cloud virtualization technology, specifically part of the Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) model, operating at the operating system level.

Source: https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/cloud/what-is-the-cloud/

What Is Cloud Computing? How the Cloud Works

Cloud computing refers to hosted services delivered over the internet, providing various computing functions such as servers, databases, software, networks, and analytics. Users can access files and programs stored in the cloud from anywhere, eliminating the need for physical hardware. Cloud computing is categorized into three types: software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS). SaaS allows software accessibility through apps or web browsers, while PaaS supports web application development and deployment. IaaS provides basic computer infrastructure capabilities in the cloud, including data storage and servers. Cloud computing offers benefits such as increased efficiency, faster deployment, collaboration tools, and remote accessibility. The cloud works by utilizing hosting companies’ massive data centers to provide security, storage capacity, and computing power. There are different delivery models of cloud computing, including public clouds (accessible anywhere), private clouds (with extra security and hands-on management), and hybrid clouds (a combination of public and private clouds).

Source: https://builtin.com/cloud-computing

What is Cloud Computing? Pros and Cons of Different Types of Services

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of various services over the Internet, including data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software. It enables users to save files to a remote database instead of relying on local storage devices, allowing access to data and software from any electronic device with internet connectivity. Cloud computing offers numerous benefits such as cost savings, increased productivity, speed, efficiency, performance, and security.

Cloud computing is named as such because it accesses information remotely in the cloud or a virtual space. It eliminates the need for heavy processing on individual devices by transferring the workload to large computer clusters in cyberspace. The internet becomes the cloud, enabling data, work, and applications to be accessed from any internet-connected device worldwide. Cloud computing can be categorized as public, private, or hybrid, with each model offering different advantages and network configurations.

Different types of cloud services provide users with functions like Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). These services cater to a wide range of organizations, including big corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and individual consumers.

Cloud computing deployment models include public, private, and hybrid clouds. Public clouds offer services on the internet and are operated by third-party companies, while private clouds are reserved for specific clientele and may be hosted in a firm’s data service center. Hybrid clouds combine elements of both public and private services, providing flexibility and optimizing infrastructure and security.

The advantages of cloud computing are extensive. It allows seamless access to software and files from any device, whether through native apps or browsers. Users can carry their files and settings across multiple devices effortlessly. Cloud computing services also enable users to check email, store files, and access music, ensuring availability even in the event of a hard drive crash. For businesses, it offers significant cost-saving potential by replacing costly server centers and IT departments with fast internet connections. Cloud computing also saves storage space on desktops or laptops and enables faster software deployment and updates.

However, there are also disadvantages and risks associated with cloud computing. Security concerns persist, especially regarding sensitive medical records and financial information. Although cloud computing services have improved security measures, the risk of data loss remains if encryption keys are lost. Additionally, servers maintained by cloud providers are susceptible to natural disasters, bugs, and power outages. There is also a learning curve for employees and managers adapting to the technology, and inadvertent mistakes can have system-wide consequences.

Cloud computing is widely used in businesses, with different models employed based on individual needs. Major players in the corporate computing sphere include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Alibaba Cloud. Examples of cloud computing applications include streaming platforms for audio or video and data storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Box.

Data security and platform security are crucial in cloud computing. Measures such as two-factor authorization, virtual private networks (VPNs), data encryption, and firewall services are implemented to protect digital assets and data stored in the cloud.

Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cloud-computing.asp

What is cloud computing? Everything you need to know now

Cloud computing is a platform that provides virtualized compute, storage, and network infrastructure, allowing users to quickly deploy and scale applications and systems. It enables self-service, where users can easily get started by filling in a web form. The majority of cloud customers use public cloud services hosted in remote data centers, which offer prebuilt applications or customizable infrastructure. The big players in cloud computing are IaaS providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). These providers offer a wide range of services beyond infrastructure, such as developer tools, machine learning, and data warehouses.

Cloud computing is categorized into three service models: SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS. SaaS delivers applications over the internet, while IaaS provides virtualized compute, storage, and networking resources. PaaS offers services and workflows for developers to accelerate application development and deployment. FaaS adds another layer of abstraction to PaaS, allowing developers to focus on their code rather than managing infrastructure.

Private cloud refers to deploying cloud infrastructure in a customer’s own data center, providing similar benefits as a public cloud but with self-managed infrastructure. Hybrid cloud combines a private cloud with a public cloud, allowing applications to move between environments. Public APIs provide programmable access to application functionality, while iPaaS enables data integration between SaaS applications and on-premises systems. IDaaS manages user identity and access rights across private data centers and public cloud sites.

Collaboration platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams facilitate effective communication and teamwork, offering APIs for integration with other systems. Vertical clouds are industry-specific PaaS offerings that enable the development of vertical applications using industry-specific services. Other considerations in cloud computing include security, multicloud management, and edge computing.

The main benefits of cloud computing include reducing time to market for scalable applications and leveraging advanced services like machine learning and IoT connectivity.

Source: https://www.infoworld.com/article/2683784/what-is-cloud-computing.html

What Is Cloud Computing – Types and Services Defined | Cloud Computing | CompTIA

Cloud computing is a complex and evolving computing model that impacts various aspects of technology. It offers new capabilities and is characterized by five essential qualities outlined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Initially, companies may leverage certain characteristics, such as offloading maintenance work to a cloud provider. Over time, they explore more advanced aspects, like flexible development environments and robust storage solutions. The primary benefit of cloud computing is cost reduction, although some applications may be more expensive due to performance and security requirements. Cloud computing helps manage technology more strategically, with a shift toward operating expenditure and a desire to reduce overhead and complexity. It encompasses three types of cloud computing applications: IaaS, which provides virtualized servers and storage for building systems; PaaS, which offers an operating system and software development tools; and SaaS, which provides software accessible through a browser. These offerings have given rise to various as a service solutions, and companies must navigate and combine them effectively. Cloud computing also involves three deployment models: public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud. Adoption of cloud computing is a gradual process that requires workflow modification and the development of new skills. The cloud computing era is expected to last for 20 to 30 years, with evolving possibilities for businesses. Cloud computing has created a wide range of jobs, both new positions and existing roles that require cloud expertise. Certifications in cloud computing are valuable for career advancement and job seekers.

Source: https://www.comptia.org/content/articles/what-is-cloud-computing