What is model?

Cloud computing is a way of delivering computing resources-like servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics-over the internet instead of having them on your own personal computer or local server. Think of it as renting space and power from a big, shared computer farm that you can access from anywhere with an internet connection.

Let's break it down

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): You rent virtual machines, storage, and networks, just like renting a blank computer you can set up however you like.
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS): The provider gives you a ready‑made environment to develop, test, and run applications without worrying about the underlying hardware.
  • Software as a Service (SaaS): You use complete applications (like email or CRM) that run in the cloud, accessed through a web browser.
  • Public, Private, and Hybrid Clouds: Public clouds are shared with many users, private clouds are dedicated to one organization, and hybrid clouds combine both for flexibility.

Why does it matter?

Cloud computing lets individuals and businesses start small, pay only for what they use, and scale up quickly when demand grows. It removes the need for large upfront hardware purchases, reduces maintenance headaches, and enables collaboration from any location, making technology more accessible and agile.

Where is it used?

  • Websites and apps: Hosting everything from personal blogs to massive e‑commerce platforms.
  • Data storage and backup: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Amazon S3 keep files safe and reachable.
  • Big data and AI: Companies run heavy analytics and machine‑learning models on cloud servers that have massive processing power.
  • Gaming: Multiplayer games stream graphics and match‑making services from cloud servers.
  • Enterprise IT: Corporations run internal tools, email, and CRM systems in the cloud to cut costs and improve reliability.

Good things about it

  • Cost‑effective: Pay‑as‑you‑go pricing means you only pay for what you actually use.
  • Scalable: Add or remove resources in minutes to match traffic spikes or slow periods.
  • Reliability: Major providers offer high uptime guarantees and automatic backups.
  • Accessibility: Work from any device with internet access, enabling remote teams.
  • Innovation speed: Quickly test new ideas without buying hardware, accelerating development cycles.

Not-so-good things

  • Dependence on internet: If your connection drops, you lose access to cloud services.
  • Security concerns: Storing data off‑site raises privacy and compliance questions; you must trust the provider’s safeguards.
  • Potential hidden costs: Data transfer fees, storage overages, or premium support can add up unexpectedly.
  • Vendor lock‑in: Moving applications and data to a different provider can be complex and costly.
  • Performance latency: For some real‑time applications, the distance to the data center can cause noticeable delays.