Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a computing model that enables on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources over the internet. This includes servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence, which can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. The key characteristics of cloud computing include scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, allowing users to pay only for the resources they use. Cloud services are typically offered in three categories: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which provides virtualized computing resources over the internet; Platform as a Service (PaaS), which offers hardware and software tools over the internet; and Software as a Service (SaaS), which delivers software applications via the internet on a subscription basis. Cloud computing supports a range of deployment models, including public, private, and hybrid clouds, catering to various organizational needs and allowing for efficient collaboration and data sharing.