Cloud computing is a technology model that enables convenient, on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (such as networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. In simpler terms, cloud computing allows users to access and use computing resources over the internet, rather than relying on physical hardware and infrastructure.
Cloud computing also refers to storing and accessing data over the internet. It doesn’t store any data on the hard disk of your personal computer. In cloud computing, you can access data from a remote server. With cloud computing, you don’t need to make large upfront investments in hardware and spend a lot of time on the heavy lifting of managing that hardware. Instead, you can provision exactly the right type and size of computing resources you need to power your newest idea or operate your IT department. You can access as many resources as you need, almost instantly, and only pay for what you use. Simply put, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. There are four main types of cloud computing: private clouds, public clouds, hybrid clouds, and multi-clouds. There are also three main types of cloud computing services: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing:
On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision computing resources as needed without requiring human intervention from the service provider.

Broad Network Access: Cloud services are accessible over the network and can be accessed by a variety of devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

Resource Pooling: Resources are pooled together to serve multiple users, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand.

Rapid Elasticity: Computing resources can be quickly scaled up or down to accommodate changes in demand, allowing for flexibility and cost efficiency.

Measured Service: Cloud resources are metered, and users are billed based on their usage. This pay-as-you-go model provides cost transparency and allows for efficient resource utilization.

Type of Cloud Computing Services

Cloud computing is typically categorized into three service models:

(IaaS) Infrastructure as a Service: Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Users can rent virtual machines, storage, and networking components.

(PaaS) Platform as a Service: Offers a platform allowing users to develop, run, and manage applications without dealing with the complexities of infrastructure management.

(SaaS) Software as a Service: Delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis, eliminating the need for users to install, maintain, and update software locally.

Cloud Popularity and adaptability

Cloud computing has become a foundational technology for businesses, providing the agility and scalability needed to adapt to changing requirements and promoting innovation in the digital era.

Additionally, cloud computing is often classified based on deployment models:

Public Cloud: Services are provided over the internet and are available to anyone. Resources are shared among multiple users.

Private Cloud: Resources are used exclusively by a single organization. It can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider.

Hybrid Cloud: Combines elements of both public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them.