Page 93 - Trackpad_V1_Book 8_Flipbook
P. 93

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 storage, servers, etc. Cloud computing is an
                 Internet-based  service  that  helps  users  get  the  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 a remote server 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 lifted off  the user’s memory.



                           HOW DOES CLOUD COMPUTING WORK?

                 Cloud computing can be divided into two sections: the front end and the back end. The Internet

                 is the link that joins both these ends. The front end belongs to the users/clients from where they
                 access the Internet for data, and the back end belongs to the cloud computing provider.
                 The front end includes computers, simple applications, and all means required to access the cloud
                 servers. The back end includes various applications and dedicated servers for each computer
                 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
                 give the facility of cloud storage. Let us discuss some of them.




                                                                                                 Cloud Computing  91
   88   89   90   91   92   93   94   95   96   97   98