What is Cloud Computing?
This content is from the lesson "1.1 What is Cloud Computing" in our comprehensive course.
View full course: Cloud Fundamentals Study Notes
Cloud Computing Definition
Cloud computing refers to the on-demand delivery of computing services – including servers, storage, databases, networking and software over the Internet ("the cloud").

Instead of owning and maintaining your own physical data centers and servers, you access these resources from a cloud provider like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) on an as-needed basis.
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Think of it like this:
- Traditional Computing: Owning your own physical music library (CDs, records)
- Cloud Computing: Streaming music online (Spotify, Apple Music)
- Traditional Computing: Storing files on your personal computer's hard drive
- Cloud Computing: Storing files online (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Traditional Computing: Running software installed directly on your computer
- Cloud Computing: Using web-based applications (Google Docs, Salesforce)
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Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing:
To further understand what cloud computing is, let's look at its essential characteristics:

- On-demand Self-service:
- Get resources like server time and storage instantly via a web interface, without needing direct provider interaction.
- Think of it as ordering takeout online – you select what you need and it's ready.
- Broad Network Access:
- Access cloud services from any device (phone, tablet, laptop) with an internet connection using standard methods.
- Just like checking your email from any device.
- Resource Pooling:
- Cloud providers group their resources to serve many users simultaneously, dynamically allocating and reallocating based on demand.
- Imagine a shared office space where resources like meeting rooms and internet are used by different companies efficiently.
- Rapid Elasticity:
- Easily scale resources up or down automatically based on your needs. Capacity often seems limitless.
- Like a video streaming service that handles millions of viewers during a popular show and then scales down afterward.
- Measured Service:
- Resource usage is tracked and billed accordingly (e.g., storage used, processing time). This provides transparency and a pay-as-you-go model.
- Similar to how you pay for the electricity or water you consume.
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Analogy: The Utility Company
A helpful analogy for understanding cloud computing is the utility company (electricity, water).
- Traditional IT (Owning a Generator/Well):
- You would need to purchase, install, and maintain your own power generator or water well.
- This involves upfront costs, ongoing maintenance, and the risk of over-provisioning (having more capacity than you need) or under-provisioning (not having enough).
- Cloud Computing (Using the Utility Service):
- You simply connect to the utility grid or water supply and pay for what you consume. The utility company handles the infrastructure, maintenance, and scaling.
- You can increase or decrease your usage as needed, and you only pay for what you use.
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In essence, cloud computing allows you to access and utilize IT resources as a service over the internet, offering flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
We'll explore the "benefits" aspect in our next subtopic.
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