What is cloud computing? What does it mean? Is it going to revolutionize business?
“Cloud computing” means your digital files, data, software or services are stored over the internet (or “in the cloud”), and you access them where and when you need them. You can access these files from your own computer, smartphone, tablet PC or other similar device that connects to the Internet. You don’t need to have the files, data, software or services stored on your own PC hard drive, tablet, or smartphone.
Cloud computing is a broad term that covers a number of different trends, all involving the internet and its potential to simplify the way we use computers and extend their capabilities. Cloud computing is being touted as the key to the future of IT, but many are still unsure as to what it is and its reliability.
Cloud computing is about putting more data on the internet ("the cloud") and less on computers or servers that a business runs for itself. This can be done in many ways, and it can get confusing.
Discussion of cloud computing often includes terms such as SaaS (software-as-a- service) and PaaS (platform-as a-service). There are major differences between the various forms of cloud computing, and they do not all offer the same benefits. Below are common questions and explanations about the confusing terms about this new area of computing.
Why use cloud computing?
The reasons for using cloud computing can vary, but often include:
• the desire to outsource the maintenance burden of servers and applications;
• the need to scale systems up or down on demand;
• the benefit of being able to access your data from anywhere with an internet connection;
• and the ability to replace occasional heavy expenditure on IT with regular and predictable operational expenditure.