Cloud computing is a type of internet-based computing that provides shared computer processing resources and data to computers and other devices on demand. It is a model for enabling ubiquitous, on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services), which can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.
It relies on sharing of resources to achieve coherence and economies of scale, similar to a utility (like the electricity grid) over an infrastructure. At the foundation of this technology is the broader concept of converged infrastructure and shared services.
It describes a new supplement, consumption, and delivery model for IT services based on the Internet, and it typically involves provisioning of dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources. It is a byproduct and result of the evolution and popularization of virtualization, service-oriented architecture, autonomic, and utility computing.
There are many benefits of using this technology for businesses, including the following:
- Reduced IT costs: can reduce the need for businesses to invest in their own hardware and software, and can help them to make more efficient use of resources.
- Increased flexibility and scalability: can offer businesses increased flexibility, as they can quickly scale up or down their use of resources as needed.
- Improved collaboration and communication: can offer businesses improved collaboration and communication capabilities, as employees can access files and applications from anywhere.
- Increased security: businesses can benefit from increased security, as data is stored off-site and is therefore less vulnerable to attack.
- Enhanced disaster recovery: can offer businesses enhanced disaster recovery capabilities, as data can be quickly and easily recovered from a remote location.