What is inclusive?
Cloud computing is a technology that lets you use computers, storage, and software over the internet instead of having everything on your own personal device. Think of it like renting a desk in a huge office building: you don’t own the building, but you can work there whenever you need.
Let's break it down
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): You rent raw computing power (servers, storage, networking) and set them up yourself.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): The provider gives you a ready‑made platform (operating system, databases, development tools) so you can focus on building your app.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): You use a complete application (like email or video chat) that runs in the cloud, no installation needed.
- Deployment models: Public cloud (shared with many users), private cloud (dedicated to one organization), and hybrid cloud (mix of both).
Why does it matter?
- Cost savings: You pay only for what you use, avoiding big upfront hardware purchases.
- Scalability: Quickly add or remove resources as demand changes, like turning a faucet on or off.
- Accessibility: Access your data and apps from any device with an internet connection, making remote work easy.
- Reliability: Cloud providers often have multiple data centers, so if one fails, your service can keep running.
Where is it used?
- Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify) store and deliver media from the cloud.
- Email and collaboration tools (Gmail, Office 365) run as SaaS.
- Mobile apps use cloud back‑ends for login, data sync, and push notifications.
- Business applications like CRM, ERP, and analytics are hosted in the cloud.
- Gaming platforms use cloud servers for multiplayer matchmaking and game streaming.
Good things about it
- Low upfront investment and predictable monthly costs.
- Easy to test new ideas; you can spin up a server in minutes.
- Automatic updates and security patches handled by the provider.
- Global reach: users worldwide get fast access because data is stored close to them.
- Disaster recovery is built‑in for many services, reducing data‑loss risk.
Not-so-good things
- Dependence on internet: If your connection drops, you lose access to cloud resources.
- Ongoing expenses: Over time, subscription fees can add up and may exceed the cost of owned hardware.
- Data privacy concerns: Storing sensitive information off‑site means you must trust the provider’s security practices.
- Vendor lock‑in: Moving data or applications to another provider can be complex and costly.
- Performance variability: Shared resources may sometimes lead to slower response times during peak usage.