Cloud computing is a model that delivers computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet, commonly referred to as “the cloud.” This approach enables users to access and utilize IT resources on-demand without the need to own or manage physical infrastructure.
How Cloud Computing Works:
- Data Centers: Cloud service providers operate extensive data centers equipped with powerful servers and storage systems. These facilities are designed to offer the security, storage capacity, and computing power necessary to support cloud infrastructure. builtin.com
- Virtualization: Through virtualization technology, physical servers are divided into multiple virtual machines (VMs), allowing for efficient utilization of hardware resources. This enables multiple users to share the same physical infrastructure while maintaining isolation between their applications.
- Service Delivery: Users access cloud services via the internet, typically through web browsers or specialized applications. Depending on the service model—Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Software as a Service (SaaS)—users can manage different levels of the computing stack, from hardware to applications.
- On-Demand Resources: Cloud platforms provide resources on an as-needed basis, allowing users to scale their usage up or down based on demand. This flexibility ensures that users pay only for the resources they consume, optimizing cost efficiency. aws.amazon.com
- Maintenance and Updates: The cloud provider manages the underlying hardware, software, and supporting infrastructure, ensuring that users have access to up-to-date and secure resources without the need for manual intervention.
By leveraging these components, cloud computing offers a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution for individuals and organizations to access and manage computing resources.
For a visual explanation, you might find this video helpful: