Cloud Computing
Delivery of computing services over the internet, including storage, processing, and applications.
Definition
Cloud computing delivers computing resources—servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics—over the internet. Rather than owning and maintaining physical infrastructure, organizations access these resources on-demand from cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
Cloud models include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Organizations can mix cloud services with on-premise resources (hybrid cloud) or use multiple cloud providers (multi-cloud).
Why It Matters
Cloud computing transformed IT from capital expenditure to operational expense, enabling scalability, flexibility, and global reach without massive infrastructure investment. Most modern digital initiatives are built on cloud infrastructure.
Understanding cloud basics helps business leaders evaluate technology strategies and communicate effectively with technical teams.
Examples in Practice
A startup launches globally on cloud infrastructure that would have cost millions to build independently just years ago.
An e-commerce site scales cloud resources automatically during holiday traffic spikes, then scales back to reduce costs.
A company's cloud migration reduces data center costs while improving disaster recovery capabilities.