Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the term used when a network of computers provide resources such as hosting, software or other functionality like print and fulfilment. The 'cloud' is the underlying delivery mechanism for computers and their networks - and it allows for virtually unlimited distance between the resources needed and the computer user.
Before computer networks were developed, data and software had to be stored, processed and managed on the same machine. Functionality and efficiency has improved dramatically since being able to separate resources from the computers. Today, a user can access unlimited amounts of information while only holding a user-friendly operating system and web browser on their computer. It becomes a screen only, thanks to cloud computing and the practically invisible network.
Cloud computing means that computer users do not have to install and maintain hardware and software applications that might be beyond their area of technological comfort. As with public utilities - like water, electricity and gas - sharing these available resources among large communities of people helps to keep the costs down.
The Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has offered a technical definition of cloud computing. They say it serves as a model, which enables convenient, on-demand access via networks to a common pool of configurable computing resources. These resources include networks, servers, storage, applications, and services that are able to be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction from the service provider.
