Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet, allowing users to access and utilize technology resources such as data storage, servers, databases, networking, software, and analytics on-demand. Instead of owning and maintaining physical infrastructure or hardware, users can leverage remote servers hosted on the internet, enabling flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
Cloud computing typically divides into three main service models:
1. **Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)** – Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, allowing users to rent servers and storage without managing physical hardware.
2. **Platform as a Service (PaaS)** – Offers a platform allowing developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without the complexity of maintaining the underlying infrastructure.
3. **Software as a Service (SaaS)** – Delivers software applications over the internet, eliminating the need for installation and management by users.
Additionally, cloud services can be categorized into public clouds, private clouds, and hybrid clouds, depending on the deployment model used. Cloud computing enhances collaboration, supports remote work, and promotes innovation by providing easy access to advanced computational capabilities without the overhead of traditional IT resources.