Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet ("the cloud") to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. Below is a breakdown of key concepts and benefits:

Core Benefits

  • Scalability: Dynamically adjust resources based on demand.
  • Cost Efficiency: Pay only for what you use, reducing upfront costs.
  • Accessibility: Access data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Collaboration: Enable seamless teamwork across global teams.
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Cloud Service Models

  1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
    • Example: Amazon EC2, Google Compute Engine
    • Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.
  2. PaaS (Platform as a Service)
    • Example: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure
    • Offers a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications.
  3. SaaS (Software as a Service)
    • Example: Salesforce, Office 365
    • Delivers software applications over the internet, eliminating the need for local installations.
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Common Use Cases

  • Data Storage: Use scalable cloud storage solutions like AWS S3.
  • Web Hosting: Deploy websites and apps on platforms such as Heroku or AWS Elastic Beanstalk.
  • Machine Learning: Leverage cloud-based tools like Google AI Platform or Azure ML.
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Further Reading

For a deeper dive into cloud computing fundamentals, check out our Cloud Computing Basics guide.