Cloud computing is a technology that allows users to access and use computing resources (such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence) over the internet, often referred to as "the cloud." Instead of owning and maintaining physical hardware or servers, users can leverage cloud services provided by a third-party provider to store, process, and manage data.
Key characteristics of cloud computing include:
On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision and manage computing resources as needed without requiring human intervention from the service provider.
Broad Network Access: Cloud services are accessible over the internet from a variety of devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Resource Pooling: Cloud providers pool computing resources to serve multiple customers, allowing for efficient resource utilization and economies of scale.
Rapid Elasticity: Users can quickly scale up or down their use of resources based on demand. This flexibility allows for cost savings and improved performance.
Measured Service: Cloud resources are metered, and users pay only for the resources they consume. This pay-as-you-go model can lead to cost savings compared to traditional on-premises infrastructure.
Cloud computing is often categorized into three main service models:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Users can rent virtual machines, storage, and networking infrastructure.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without dealing with the complexity of infrastructure. PaaS typically includes development tools, databases, and other components.
Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Users access the software through a web browser without needing to install or maintain it locally.
Popular cloud service providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and others. These providers offer a wide range of services to meet various computing needs, from simple storage to complex machine learning algorithms and big data analytics.