Cloud computing is a type of computing that involves delivering computing services—such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet (the cloud) rather than using local servers or personal devices.
There are several benefits to using cloud computing.
First, it can save organizations money by reducing the need for expensive hardware and software licenses. Instead of purchasing and maintaining physical servers, organizations can access computing resources on a pay-as-you-go basis. This means that they only pay for the resources they use, which can be more cost-effective than buying and maintaining their own hardware.
Second, cloud computing can increase the speed and agility of organizations. Because resources are delivered over the Internet, they can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection.
This allows organizations to scale their computing resources up or down as needed, which can be especially useful during times of high demand.
Third, cloud computing can improve security. By storing data and running applications in the cloud, organizations can take advantage of the security measures that cloud service providers have in place.
This can be more effective than relying on in-house security measures, which may be less sophisticated or may not be properly maintained.
There are several different types of cloud computing, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).
IaaS involves the delivery of computing infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking, over the Internet.
This allows organizations to rent the hardware they need rather than purchasing it outright.
PaaS involves the delivery of a platform for developing, testing, and deploying applications over the Internet. This can be especially useful for organizations that do not have the resources or expertise to build their own platforms.
SaaS involves the delivery of software over the Internet. This can be more cost-effective than purchasing software licenses, and it allows organizations to access the software from anywhere with an Internet connection.
In conclusion, cloud computing is a type of computing that involves delivering computing services over the Internet. It can save organizations money, increase the speed and agility of their operations, and improve security.
There are several different types of cloud computing, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
References:
For the benefits of cloud computing:
"Cloud Computing: Overview" (n.d.), National Institute of Standards and Technology, https://www.nist.gov/itl/cloud-computing/cloud-computing-overview
For the different types of cloud computing:
"Cloud Computing: Overview" (n.d.), National Institute of Standards and Technology, https://www.nist.gov/itl/cloud-computing/cloud-computing-overview
"Cloud Computing Services" (n.d.), Cloud Security Alliance, https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/cloud-computing-services/