What Is Cloud Computing? How Does ‘The Cloud’ Work?
The term “cloud” when talking about technology or computing, is not new.
In simple terms, ‘cloud’ is a metaphor for the Internet. In fact, cloud symbols are repeatedly used to depict the Internet on diagrams. If you think of the Internet as a virtual ‘space’ that connects users from all over the globe, it is like a cloud. It shares information by the way of networks.
So, if we go back to the question of what cloud computing actually is, it refers to sharing resources, software and information through a network. In this case, via ‘the Internet’ or more correctly, an Internet connection. Information and data is stored on physical or virtual servers, which are maintained and controlled by a cloud computing provider, such as Amazon and their AWS product. As a personal or business cloud computing user, you access your stored information on the ‘cloud’, via an Internet connection.
What Are The Different Types Of Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing can mean many different things these days, but there’s three main categories of cloud computing services. You might have heard about these or use them already; Software as a Service (SaaS), for example – Microsoft 365, Platform as a Service (PaaS), example – salesforce.com and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), example – Rackspace.
What Are Popular Examples Of Cloud Computing Services At Work Today?
There has been a significant evolution in the way in which we save, store and access data. And particularly, the scale with nosql databases shows no signs of stopping expansion. You no longer need to save documents on one particular device. You can access personal files and data from anywhere with a solid Internet service connection, at any time. That’s all because of cloud technology. The cloud storage market spoils you for choice too.
A variety of cloud storage providers are available, many of which offer free storage space. Out with file saving on floppy disks, CDs and even USB flash drives, in with cloud storage providers such as Dropbox, Box.com and Backblaze. (Sites like Cloudwards allows you to compare a range of different cloud storage providers in one place).