What is Cloud Computing?

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Cloud Computing

1. Cloud Computing Defined

Cloud computing is defined to be the use of computer programs and applications, to access information, storage, that is not stored locally on a computer’s hard drive, but rather over the Internet. There are five defining characteristics to cloud computing.

Cloud computing allows users to have almost no interaction with the service provider. For example, when we use Google Drive, a web application similar to Microsoft Office, we can do so without ever having to contact the service provider, Google.

The second characteristic of cloud computing is resource pooling. A computer company such as Google can own a powerful computer such as the mainframe or cluster of those and “rent” processing power and/or storage space to people or companies that may not have the infrastructure or may need to supplement their existing infrastructure. These customers can use the storage space to store files when their own hard drives have been filled up or use as a server for running programs.

In cloud computing, customers can “rent” resources off a computer company’s mainframe. Sometimes, the customer “renting” space from the service provider may request for more resources such as faster response, more memory, RAM, or storage space. In such cases, the service provider can quickly and easily allocate the necessary resources to the customer in need.

The fourth characteristic of cloud computing is broad network access. The applications that are available through cloud services are accessible through a variety of devices and locations, allowing users to access applications through various types of storage not limited to the local hard drive. Furthermore, with cloud computing, users can access applicat...

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