Okta – Defining Cloud Computing: Systems, Architecture, and Uses

Cloud computing holds data and services on the internet as opposed to directly on the hard drive of a computer. In short, cloud computing is another term for the internet. The concept has been around for several decades, but more and more data is being stored “on the cloud” instead of directly on servers and mainframes. Cloud computing can provide cost-effective solutions rather than purchasing and running hardware and software. It also allows more room on the physical computer hard drive, which can mean faster processing times and better performance. There are various types of cloud computing models, types, and services to choose from. And cloud computing has a multitude of uses, ranging from email, data, and picture storage to eCommerce and streaming services. There is a set of procedures, policies, controls, and technologies that work to keep cloud computing secure, and to protect against internal and external cybersecurity threats. The cloud computing market is growing exponentially with the global market projected to be worth over $832 billion by 2025.

What is cloud computing?

With cloud computing, hardware and software services run through a provider on the internet instead of locally on your physical hard drive. Still, the question remains “what is the cloud?” The image of a puffy cloud was previously used in flowcharts, depicting the internet as floating around while accepting connections and meting out information. Today, cloud computing is defined as anything that is stored or accessed over the internet. Personal and company computers no longer house this information locally, or directly on the physical hard drive of a computer. Cloud computing can be extremely flexible. It can be done anytime from anywhere with an internet connection.

Benefits of cloud computing

Cloud computing can offer several benefits to both consumers and organizations alike.

• Cost effectiveness: Cloud computing can save money on physical software and hardware as well as the expense of running and maintaining large data centers.
• Productivity: Cloud computing can leave room for IT personnel to work on more pressing matters than the management of physical software and hardware.
• Speed: Services are regularly on-demand and self-service. They can often be accessed in a matter of seconds or minutes.<  
• Performance: Most cloud computing services are continually being upgraded to ensure the most efficient and fast hardware. Using cloud computing frees up space on personal hard drives and networks, which can allow them to run faster and more efficiently as well.
• Reliability: Data is often mirrored at multiple locations, making data backup, continuity, and recovery easier and faster with cloud services.
• Global scale: The cloud can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, as long as there is internet service. This allows for a more global presence.
• Security: Cloud service providers use technology, policies, and controls to protect against potential cybersecurity threats from both the inside and the outside.

Examples of cloud computing as a consumer

Cloud computing is used for many things today, including storing pictures and data from your smartphone somewhere else, like with Apple’s iCloud. This allows you more storage space and computing power in your hand to easily share files through services such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Cloud computing also employs hybrid strategies where users have local software on the computer directly but also have web-based apps, such as Microsoft Office and Microsoft OneDrive. Ecommerce is another large user of cloud computing, with companies such as Amazon doing the majority of their business online. Streaming services like Netflix also rely on cloud computing technology.

Types of cloud technology

There are several different services,