What is Cloud Computing? Webopedia Definition

What is Cloud Computing? Webopedia Definition



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




In cloud computing, the word cloud(also phrased as "the cloud") is used as a metaphor for "the Internet," so the phrase cloud computing means "a type of Internet-based computing," where different services — such as servers, storage and applications —
are delivered to an organization's computers and devices through the
Internet. The cloud infrastructure is maintained by the cloud provider,
not the individual cloud customer.

In its most simple description, cloud computing is taking services ("cloud services")
and moving them outside an organizations firewall on shared systems.
Applications and services are accessed via the Web, instead of your hard
drive. The services are delivered and used over the Internet and are
paid for by cloud customer (your business), typically on an as-needed or
pay-per-use business model.




Cloud computing is comparable to grid computing,
a type of computing where unused processing cycles of all computers in a
network are harnesses to solve problems too intensive for any
stand-alone machine.