What Is the Cloud?
The cloud refers to servers accessed over the internet, plus the software and databases running on them. When you save photos to iCloud or use Google Docs, your data is stored on computers in data centers around the world, not on your device. Cloud computing means using remote servers instead of your local computer for storage and processing.
Key Takeaways
- The cloud is not a literal cloud or a mysterious technology - it is simply other people's computers.
- Hybrid cloud uses both cloud and local (on-premise) servers.
- Edge computing processes data closer to users rather than in distant data centers.
Explanation
The cloud is not a literal cloud or a mysterious technology - it is simply other people's computers. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft operate massive data centers filled with servers. When you use cloud services, your data and applications run on these servers and are accessed through your internet connection.
Cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox) saves your files on remote servers, letting you access them from any device. Cloud applications (Google Docs, Office 365) run on remote servers while you interact through a browser. Cloud computing lets businesses rent computing power instead of buying expensive hardware.
Benefits include accessing data from anywhere, automatic backups, not needing powerful local hardware, and scaling resources as needed. Drawbacks include requiring internet access, privacy concerns (your data is on someone else's servers), and ongoing subscription costs versus one-time purchases.
Things to Know
- Hybrid cloud uses both cloud and local (on-premise) servers.
- Edge computing processes data closer to users rather than in distant data centers.
- 'Private cloud' means company-owned servers, while 'public cloud' means rented services like AWS or Azure.