Cloud computing is a technology that allows organizations and individuals to access and use computing resources over the internet, rather than owning and maintaining physical hardware like servers or storage devices. It operates on a pay-as-you-go model, meaning users are charged only for the resources they consume, which makes it a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. Cloud computing is typically offered in three main service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which provides basic infrastructure such as virtual machines and storage; Platform as a Service (PaaS), which offers a platform for developers to build and deploy applications without managing the underlying hardware; and Software as a Service (SaaS), which allows users to access fully developed applications over the internet, such as email, office software, and CRM systems.
Cloud services can be deployed in various ways. Public cloud solutions are offered by third-party providers and shared among multiple users, making them cost-effective but sometimes less customizable. Private cloud environments are dedicated to a single organization, providing greater control and security, often for sensitive applications. Hybrid cloud combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to move between them, offering greater flexibility and optimizing existing infrastructure. With these options, cloud computing provides scalable and on-demand access to technology, empowering organizations to innovate quickly, manage resources efficiently, and respond to changing demands with minimal upfront investment.