Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing services-including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence-over the internet, allowing users to access and use these resources remotely without owning physical infrastructure
. It enables flexibility, scalability, and cost savings by providing resources as needed, typically with pay-as-you-go pricing
Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing
- On-demand self-service: Users can provision computing resources automatically without human interaction
- Broad network access: Services are accessible over the internet from various devices
- Resource pooling: Providers serve multiple users with dynamically assigned resources
- Rapid elasticity: Resources can be scaled up or down quickly according to demand
- Measured service: Resource usage is monitored and billed accordingly
Examples of Cloud Computing
- Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive: Cloud storage services that allow users to save and access files remotely from any device
- Microsoft 365 and Google Docs: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms providing online access to productivity applications like word processing and spreadsheets
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), powering applications such as real-time fraud detection in finance
- Salesforce: A cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform used for sales, marketing, and customer service operations
- Zoom and Microsoft Teams: Cloud-based communication platforms for video conferencing and collaboration
In summary, cloud computing allows individuals and organizations to use computing resources over the internet, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and scalability without the need for physical hardware management
