What is Cloud Computing and How Does it Work?

Cloud computing is an emerging trend of online fileVirtual servers along with related data and equipment
access being used by businesses worldwide. Itcan be purchased on a per-use basis.
creates a virtual space or cloud of company files andEven though the end users did not have to worry
applications, which have can be used by theabout installing and managing the applications which
employees from anywhere. It requires a subscriptionthey were not familiar with, this approach did have
which allows the businesses to utilize the services ofsome problems. Instances of changing company
a provider to organize installations and datarequirements proved too complex for what the
customizations. Everything is ready to use onceproviders had to offer. Some classified company data
logged in.were too confidential to be exposed outside the local
Using a centralized server brings down the expenses,firewall. The alignment of cost per usage in such
as it eliminates the need to buy multiple software andcases did not suit the company's business plan.
maintain the hardware needed to run local servers.An efficient method was required, which allowed a
Clouds may be private, which limits the server accessmore flexible usage of services and the applications
to a particular group, public, which can be used byto be easily deployed in the new platform provided.
any user logged onto the internet or virtual public,This was solved by using virtualization as a part of
where a private cloud of services is attained by usingthe cloud approach. It made the applications function
public resources. High speed internet has been one ofindependent of the infrastructure. Several applications
the primary factors which spurred the growth ofcould utilize a particular server and run on any system
cloud computing.which needed them. The application needs to be
Based on how it works, cloud computing services canvirtualized for this capability, which basically means
be classified into:making them self sufficient. The operating system,
1.Software as a service (SaaS): In this type,middleware and related databases combined with the
registered software applications are managed by theapplication constitute the entire package. Such a
provider. Browser based access allows individualpackage does not have its applicability restricted to
applications to be used by the customers withoutthe provider or the end user's system. It runs on the
bothering about licensing or server expenses.cloud which is made available online and charged by
2.Platform as a service (PaaS): In this type, workingthe duration and amount of usage.
platforms are managed by the provider to run andThe power of cloud computing lets your businesses
develop business applications. It is built so as tohave any application start running in a matter of days.
support all stages of creating a web application online,The subscription fees are nothing compared to
without additional software needed in localamount of money you will save from not having to
computers.buy expensive business software and hiring experts
3.Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): This type can beto get them started.
considered as an enhanced version of web hosting.