What is read?
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services-like servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics-over the internet (“the cloud”) instead of using local hardware or personal devices.
Let's break it down
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Rent virtual machines, storage, and networks.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): Use a ready‑made platform to develop, run, and manage applications without handling the underlying hardware.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Access complete applications (e.g., email, CRM) through a web browser.
- Public, Private, and Hybrid Clouds: Public clouds are shared; private clouds are dedicated to one organization; hybrid combines both.
Why does it matter?
It lets individuals and businesses scale resources up or down instantly, pay only for what they use, and focus on core activities instead of maintaining physical servers. This speeds up innovation and reduces costs.
Where is it used?
- Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify)
- Online collaboration tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)
- E‑commerce platforms (Shopify, Amazon Web Services)
- Mobile apps that need backend storage or processing
- Enterprise IT for data backup, disaster recovery, and big‑data analytics
Good things about it
- Scalability: Add or remove resources in minutes.
- Cost efficiency: Pay‑as‑you‑go pricing eliminates large upfront hardware purchases.
- Accessibility: Access services from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Reliability: Major providers offer high uptime and built‑in redundancy.
- Speed of deployment: Launch new applications or services quickly.
Not-so-good things
- Dependence on internet: No connectivity means no access to services.
- Security concerns: Storing data off‑site can raise privacy and compliance issues.
- Potential hidden costs: Data transfer fees and long‑term storage can add up.
- Vendor lock‑in: Migrating away from a provider may be complex and costly.
- Performance variability: Shared resources can sometimes lead to slower response times.