What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a way to use technology to make it easier for you to access the files and programs you need, when you need them.

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

Cloud-based files and programs can be accessed from any location, rather than being physically stored on hardware. Without some kind of hardware component, the files were completely inaccessible outside the computer they originated on. Thanks to the cloud, few people worry anymore about fried hard drives or lost or corrupted USB drives. Cloud computing makes the documents available everywhere because the data actually lives on a network of hosted servers that transmit data over the internet.

WHAT ARE CLOUD COMPANIES?

Cloud companies offer tools and data centers that allow customers to manage and utilize information flexibly, affordably, and remotely.

Cloud Computing Service Types

Cloud computing services can be divided into three main categories: software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS).

Software-as-a-Service

SaaS is a software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a provider and made available to customers over a network, typically the internet. Some notable examples of SaaS solutions that don't require hardware installation or management include Salesforce, Dropbox, and Google Docs.

Platform-as-a-Service

PaaS provides a complete solution for developing and deploying web applications, from building and testing to managing and updating. The service includes development tools (e.g., Windows Azure), middleware (e.g., AWS Elastic Beanstalk) and business intelligence solutions (e.g., Google App Engine).

Infrastructure-as-a-Service

IaaS is a cloud computing model that provides users with basic computer infrastructure capabilities, such as data storage, servers, and hardware.

How Does Cloud Computing Work?

Cloud applications have a host, and the hosting company is responsible for maintaining the data centers that provide the security, storage capacity and computing power needed to maintain all of the information users send to the cloud.

Although the cloud is primarily hosted by large companies such as Amazon (AWS), Microsoft (Azure), Apple (iCloud), and Google (GCP), there are also many smaller players in the market. By selling the rights to use their clouds and store data on their networks, hosting companies can offer an ecosystem to end users that allows for communication between devices and programs.

Generally, cloud computing follows three delivery models:

Public:

Public clouds, like those run by Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Google, are accessible from anywhere with the proper login credentials and web app.

Private:

This model provides the same flexibility as the public cloud, but with the infrastructure needs provided by the companies or users of the service.

Hybrid:

Hybrid cloud computing is a combination of on-premises, private cloud, and public cloud services in order to create a unified, flexible infrastructure.

Uses:

Communication & Collaboration

All of Google's applications are cloud-based, including Calendar and Gchat. Furthermore, popular apps such as Skype and WhatsApp also use cloud technology, which allows people to communicate and collaborate on a global scale.

Entertainment

The combination of cloud computing and vastly improved internet speeds has given rise to media streaming companies like Netflix and Hulu, which host enormous databases of movies and TV shows available online.

Big Data Analytics

Big data has become more accessible and useful thanks to the cloud, which allows companies to connect to data sources and glean insights in real time.

Business Processes

The cloud is necessary for the existence of many innovative tools, such as Salesforce and Slack, which enhance and streamline the daily operations of companies.