What is ‘Cloud Computing’
Cloud computing is a method for delivering information technology (IT) services in which resources are retrieved from the Internet through web-based tools and applications, as opposed to a direct connection to a server. Rather than keeping files on a proprietary hard drive or local storage device, cloud-based storage makes it possible to save them to a remote database. As long as an electronic device has access to the web, it has access to the data and the software programs to run it.
It’s called cloud computing because the information being accessed is found in “the cloud” and does not require a user to be in a specific place to gain access to it. This type of system allows employees to work remotely. Companies providing cloud services enable users to store files and applications on remote servers, and then access all the data via the internet.
In another word you can say cloud computing is a type of computing that relies on shared computing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to handle applications.
In its most simple description, cloud computing is taking services (“cloud services”) and moving them outside an organization’s firewall. Applications, storage and other services are accessed via the Web. The services are delivered and used over the Internet and are paid for by the cloud customer on an as-needed or pay-per-use business model.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is an important innovation in the storage of data, industry technology and service all over the world. It has made seamless information sharing across different applications and devices possible. Internet has made this possible, as instead of storing data on your local servers or hard drives now, you can store and access your data and programs over the internet (cloud is just a metaphor). Consumers and organizations have many different reasons for choosing to use cloud computing services. They might include the following:
- Convenience
- Scalability
- Low costs
- Security
- Anytime, anywhere access
- High availability
As cloud networks become more flexible, the need for commodity hardware is starting to quickly diminish.