The term “cloud” is used as a metaphor for the Internet, based on the cloud drawing used in the past to represent the telephone network, and later to depict the Internet in computer network diagrams as an abstraction of the underlying infrastructure it represents. Cloud computing is a natural evolution of the widespread adoption of virtualization, service-oriented architecture, autonomic, and utility computing. There are many claimants to the concept of cloud computing but as users that is irrelevant to us.

Cloud computing refers to computing power in an imaginary bubble which is called a cloud and allows users to access software, applications, data and what-have-you from a common location and this service is shared by multiple users within a secure or open environment. The two main components of cloud computing are the hardware and the software which are alighted to store, interact and deliver data. There are multiple applications that work in a cloud, including SaaS services, web based email and content distribution networks including file sharing apps.

Cloud computing describes a new supplement, consumption, and delivery model for IT services based on Internet protocols, and it typically involves provisioning of dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources. It is a byproduct and consequence of the ease-of-access to remote computing sites provided by the Internet. This may take the form of web-based tools or applications that users can access and use through a web browser as if the programs were installed locally on their own computers.

Why use it

Cloud computing has real benefits when it comes to data sharing and it’s these advantages which has led to its adaption in multiple organizations at a fairly rapid pace. This is why it is used:-

• Costs – Bring down computing costs in organizations. Most businesses are groaning under the costs of high-end hardware for their employees as apps become more and more resource hungry. Using a cloud to store apps which is accessible to users from a basic terminal brings in a control factor to these costs.
• Security – In cloud computing, security is much better than a scattered network and that is one of the reasons why clouds are working.
• Easy Management – Clouds are also comparatively easy to manage and bring down the costs as well as headache of maintenance disparate servers.
• Accessibility – Greater freedom for the cloud users as they can access data and applications from just about anywhere via multiple devices.
• Centralized and agile – Might sound like a dream for some technocrats but it really is true.  You can now use cloud computing to ensure that everyone is on the same page.