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WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING?


                 In computers, we use the term cloud to represent a network
                 or internet. The term cloud is used for various services like
                 data storage, servers, etc. Cloud computing is an Internet-
                 based service that helps users to access shared resources,
                 software, and information over a network on demand. It also
                 helps users store and access the data and services. It is not

                 required to install all the software or resources for accessing
                 them. We can use these services directly through remote servers and web-based applications.
                 The information and data can be accessed from anywhere at anytime.


                 BENEFITS OF CLOUD COMPUTING
                 Following are some benefits of cloud computing:

                   Easy Accessibility: Cloud services are available and accessible globally to everyone who has
                   a computer or any device with an Internet connection. No specialised hardware or software is
                   required.
                   Cost Effective: One has to pay minimal to no subscription charges to avail the services. It saves
                   us from buying expensive specialised hardware or software.
                   Flexibility: The services provided by cloud computing are available 24 hours a day and seven
                   days a week, and can also allow us to increase and decrease computing needs, hence, providing
                   users with the flexibility to work as per their requirements.
                   Shares  Workload  with  User:  The user’s computer  is not  burdened  with different types  of
                   software and programs, and the space required for software is offloaded to the cloud, freeing
                   up local memory.




                           HOW DOES CLOUD COMPUTING WORK?

                 Cloud computing can be divided into two parts: front end and the back end. The Internet is the
                 link that joins both these ends. The front end includes the users/clients who access the data via
                 the Internet, while the back end consists of the cloud computing infrastructure maintained by the
                 cloud service provider.
                 The front end includes computers, user interfaces, and all the means required to access the cloud
                 servers. The back end includes various applications and the dedicated servers for each program.
                 This gap between the client and the cloud is then bridged by the Internet.



                           CLOUD STORAGE SERVICE PROVIDERS


                 Cloud computing provides a facility to store, organise and edit data through the network. The
                 data can also be shared with others using cloud storage. There are many service providers that
                 offers cloud storage services.


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