Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a type of computing that relies on shared computing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to handle applications.

In its most simple description, cloud computing is taking services ("cloud services") and moving them outside an organization's firewall. Applications, storage and other services are accessed via the Web. The services are delivered and used over the Internet and are paid for by the cloud customer on an as-needed or pay-per-use business model.

Characteristics of Cloud Environments

According to the NIST, all true cloud environments have five key characteristics:

1. On-demand self-service: This means that cloud customers can sign up for, pay for and start using cloud resources very quickly on their own without help from a sales agent.
2. Broad network access: Customers access cloud services via the Internet.
3. Resource pooling: Many different customers (individuals, organizations or different departments within an organization) all use the same servers, storage or other computing resources.
4. Rapid elasticity or expansion: Cloud customers can easily scale their use of resources up or down as their needs change.
5. Measured service: Customers pay for the amount of resources they use in a given period of time rather than paying for hardware or software upfront. (Note that in a private cloud, this measured service usually involves some form of chargebacks where IT keeps track of how many resources different departments within an organization are using.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Consumers and organizations have many different reasons for choosing to use cloud computing services. They might include the following:

• Convenience
• Scalability
• Low costs
• Security
• Anytime, anywhere access
• High availability