Cloud computing is a way of delivering computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet (“the cloud”). Here are some examples:
Examples of Cloud Computing:
- Email: Services like Gmail and Outlook.com are examples of cloud-based email services. You access your emails through a web browser or mobile app, without needing to install any software on your computer.
- Online Storage: Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive allow you to store files online and access them from any device.
- Streaming Services: Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube are examples of cloud-based streaming services. You can watch movies, listen to music, or watch videos without downloading them to your device.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Many software applications are now available as cloud-based services. Examples include Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, and Zoom.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): These services provide a platform for developers to build and deploy applications. Examples include AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Google App Engine, and Heroku.
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): These services provide virtualized computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networking. Examples include Amazon EC2, Google Compute Engine, and Microsoft Azure.
Practical Insights:
- Cloud computing services are often more affordable than traditional on-premises solutions because you only pay for the resources you use.
- Cloud services can be easily scaled up or down to meet your changing needs.
- Cloud computing services can reduce your IT infrastructure costs by eliminating the need for expensive hardware and software.
