What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a way of computing, via the Internet, that broadly shares computer resources instead of having your local Personal Computer handle specific applications. It is an Internet- ("cloud-") based development and use of computer technology ("computing").

Increased Agility: Agility improves with users' ability to rapidly and inexpensively re-provision technological infrastructure resources.

Reduced Cost: Cost is claimed to be greatly reduced and capital expenditure is converted to operational expenditure. This ostensibly lowers barriers to entry, as infrastructure is typically provided by a third-party and does not need to be purchased for one-time or infrequent intensive computing tasks. Pricing on a utility computing basis is fine-grained with usage-based options and fewer IT skills are required for in-house implementation.

Improved Accessibility: Device and location independence enable users to access systems using a web browser regardless of their location or what device they are using. As infrastructure is located at and provided by a third-party) and accessed via the Internet, users can connect from anywhere.

Enhanced Security: Security could improve due to centralization of data because most of the third-party providers are able to devote resources to solving security issues that many customers cannot afford.

Increased Sustainability: Sustainability made possible due to improved resource utilization, more efficient systems, and carbon neutrality.

Easier Maintenance: Cloud computing applications are easier to be maintained, since they don't have to be installed on each user's computer. They are easier to support and to improve since the changes reach the clients instantly.