What Is Cloud Computing? How Does Cloud Computing Work …

Cloud computing refers to any kind of hosted service that is delivered over the Internet.What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to any kind of hosted service delivered over the internet.These services often include servers, databases, software, networks, analytics and other computing functions that can be operated through the cloud.

Files and programs stored in the cloud can be accessed anywhere by users on the service, eliminating the need to always be near physical hardware.In the past, for example,user-created documents and spreadsheets had to be saved to a physical hard drive, USB drive or disk. Without some kind ofhardware component, the files were completely inaccessible outside the computer they originated on. Thanks to the cloud, few people worry anymore about fried hard drives or lost or corruptedUSB drives. Cloud computing makes the documents available everywhere because the data actually lives on a network of hosted servers that transmit data over the internet.

Cloud companies, sometimes referred to as Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), are companies that offer services or applications on the cloud. These cloud companies essentially host tools and data centers that allow customers to retrieve and utilize information in a flexible, manageable and cost-effective manner. Through cloud companies, customers can easily access their cloud-based data via any network connection.

Cloud computing services are broken down intothree major categories: software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS).

Software-as-a-ServiceSaaS is the most common cloud service type. Many of us use it on a daily basis. The SaaS model makessoftware accessible through an app or web browser. Some SaaS programs are free, but many require a monthly or annual subscription to maintain the service. Requiring no hardware installation or management, SaaS solutions are a big hit in the business world. Notable examples include Salesforce, Dropbox or Google Docs.

Platform-as-a-Service PaaS is acloud environment supporting web application development and deployment. PaaS supports the full lifecycle of applications, helping users build, test, deploy, manage and update all in one place. The service also includes development tools, middleware and business intelligence solutions. Notable examples includeWindows Azure, AWS Elastic Beanstalk and Google App Engine.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service IaaS provides users with basic computer infrastructure capabilities like data storage, servers andhardware all inthe cloud.IaaS gives businesses access to largeplatforms and applications without the need forlarge onsite physical infrastructures. Notable examples of IaaS includeDigitalOcean, Amazon EC2 and Google Compute Engine.

The cloud is basically a decentralized place to share information through satellite networks. Every cloud application has a host, and the hosting company is responsible for maintaining the massive data centers that provide the security, storage capacity and computing power needed to maintain all of the information users send to the cloud.

The most prominent companies hosting the cloud are major playerslike Amazon (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft (Azure), Apple (iCloud) and Google (Google Drive), but there's also a plethora of other players, large and small.These hosting companies can sell the rights to use their clouds and store data on their networks, while also offering the end user an ecosystem that can communicate between devices and programs (e.g., download a song on your laptop and it's instantly synced to the iTunes software on your iPhone).

See Best Cloud Computing Companies With Open JobsView Top Cloud Computing Companies

Generally, cloud computing follows three delivery models:

PublicThis is the most common and all of the players mentioned above (Amazon, Microsoft, Apple & Google) run public clouds accessible anywhere with login credentials and the right web app.

PrivateThis model offers the same kind of flexibility as the public cloud, but with the infrastructure needs (hosting, data storage, IT staff, etc.)provided by the companies or users of the service. Additionally, the restricted access and hands-on management of hosting gives the private model an extra layer of security.

HybridHybrid cloud computing isa combination of the public and private models. The two cloud types are linked over the internet and can share resources when needed (e.g., if the private cloud reaches storage capacity or becomes corrupted, the public cloud can step in and save the day).

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What Is Cloud Computing? How Does Cloud Computing Work ...