Cloud Computing
Definition
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the Internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. Instead of buying, owning, and maintaining physical data centers and servers, you can access technology services, such as computing power, storage, and databases, on an as-needed basis from a cloud provider.
Why It Matters
Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses operate, providing agility, scalability, cost savings, and the ability to innovate faster. It allows organizations of all sizes to access enterprise-grade technology without a large upfront investment in hardware.
Contextual Example
Instead of hosting its own website on a server in its office, a company uses Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS provides the virtual server, storage, and networking, and the company pays only for the resources it consumes each month.
Common Misunderstandings
- The "cloud" is not a single entity; it is a global network of physical data centers owned and operated by providers like AWS, Google, and Microsoft.
- It is not just for storage; it offers a vast range of services, including databases, machine learning, analytics, and more.