Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet (“the cloud”). Instead of owning physical hardware or data centers, businesses and individuals can rent access to computing power as needed.
This model offers flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. You pay only for what you use, and you can scale resources up or down depending on demand. For example, if a website experiences a sudden traffic spike, cloud services can automatically allocate more server power to keep it running smoothly.
There are several types of cloud services:
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides virtual machines and other resources.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service): Offers a platform for developers to build applications without managing infrastructure.
- SaaS (Software as a Service): Delivers software over the internet, like Gmail or Microsoft 365.
Real-world examples include using Google Drive to store files, Netflix streaming movies using AWS cloud servers, or businesses using Salesforce for customer management.
Cloud computing also enhances collaboration. Teams can access shared documents in real time from anywhere. It supports remote work, data backup, and disaster recovery.
Security and privacy are key considerations, with providers offering advanced protections. Overall, cloud computing powers much of today’s digital experience.
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