Cloud computing is a type of computing that relies on sharing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to handle applications. To enable this sharing, cloud computing uses networks of large groups of servers with specialized connections to spread data across them. This shared IT infrastructure contains large pools of systems that are linked together. Often, virtualization techniques are used to maximize the power of cloud computing.
The cloud is also not the same as having dedicated network-attached storage (NAS) hardware or server. Storing data on a home or office network does not count as utilizing the cloud.
Cloud computing is necessarily accessing your data or your programs over the Internet, or at the very least, have that data synchronized with other information over the Web.
Some of the benefits of having a cloud infrastructure and implementing cloud solutions are as follows:
Cloud computing is cost-effective. Businesses can simply "pay as you go" and enjoy a subscription-based model instead of incurring huge expenses on hardware. In addition, there are advantages to less IT cares and concerns.
Cloud-based services are ideal for businesses in the phase of expansion or undergoing fluctuating bandwidth demands. It is easy to scale up or down your cloud capacity depending upon the business needs. This level of agility can give businesses using cloud computing a real advantage over competitors.
Large businesses invest majorly in robust disaster recovery. For smaller businesses investing in disaster recovery is often more an ideal than a reality. With Cloud computing now small businesses too can realize their ideals. Small businesses are twice as likely as larger companies to have implemented cloud-based backup and recovery solutions that save time, avoid large up-front investment and roll up third-party expertise as part of the deal.
Automatic software updates
In cloud computing, there is no headache about maintenance. Vendors take care of them and roll out regular software updates, including security updates. It ensures that no time is wasted in maintaining the system.
With easier access and ability to share and edit documents anytime, from anywhere, teams are able to do more together and do it better. Cloud-based workflow and file sharing apps help them make updates in real-time and gives them full visibility of their collaborations.
With cloud computing, an internet connection is all that is needed to be at work. Businesses can offer more flexible working perks to employees so they can enjoy the work-life balance that suits them without productivity taking a hit.
Some say the cloud is just a metaphor for the Internet. It goes back to the days of flowcharts and presentations that would represent the gigantic server-farm infrastructure of the Internet as nothing but a puffy, white cumulonimbus cloud, accepting connections and rolling out information as it floats. In the simplest terms, cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of a computer's hard drive.