What is ct?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services-such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics-over the internet (“the cloud”) instead of using local hardware or personal devices. You pay for what you use, and the provider takes care of maintenance, upgrades, and security.

Let's break it down

Think of cloud computing in three main layers:

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): You rent virtual machines, storage, and networks, just like renting a blank computer you can configure yourself.
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS): The provider gives you a ready‑to‑use platform (operating system, runtime, middleware) so you can focus on building and running your applications without worrying about the underlying hardware.
  • Software as a Service (SaaS): Complete applications (email, CRM, office tools) are delivered over the web, and you use them through a browser or app without installing anything locally.

Why does it matter?

  • Cost efficiency: No need to buy expensive hardware; you pay only for the resources you actually use.
  • Scalability: Quickly add or remove resources to match demand, which is essential for growing businesses or seasonal traffic spikes.
  • Accessibility: Access your data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling remote work and collaboration.
  • Reliability: Major cloud providers offer high uptime guarantees and automatic backups, reducing the risk of data loss.

Where is it used?

  • Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify) store and deliver media from the cloud.
  • E‑commerce sites scale their servers during sales events.
  • Business productivity tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 are SaaS applications.
  • Mobile apps use cloud back‑ends for user authentication, data storage, and analytics.
  • Scientific research runs large simulations on cloud‑based supercomputers.

Good things about it

  • Flexibility: Choose the exact services and capacity you need.
  • Speed to market: Launch new applications faster without setting up physical infrastructure.
  • Automatic updates: Providers handle patches and security updates, keeping systems current.
  • Global reach: Deploy services in data centers around the world to reduce latency for users.

Not-so-good things

  • Dependence on internet: If your connection is slow or down, you lose access to cloud services.
  • Ongoing costs: Pay‑as‑you‑go can become expensive over time if resources aren’t monitored.
  • Security concerns: Storing data off‑site raises questions about privacy and compliance; you must trust the provider’s security measures.
  • Vendor lock‑in: Migrating away from a cloud provider can be complex and costly due to proprietary tools and data formats.