Imagine having a powerful computer that you could access from anywhere, without having to own all the hardware or manage the software updates yourself. That's essentially what cloud computing offers. It's like renting a slice of a supercomputer that lives on the internet, ready to use whenever you need it. Let's unpack this innovative concept that has revolutionized the way we use technology.
At its core, cloud computing is the delivery of various services through the internet. These resources include tools and applications like data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software. Rather than keeping files on a proprietary hard drive or local storage device, cloud-based storage makes it possible to save them to a remote database. As long as an electronic device has access to the web, it has access to the data and the software programs to run it.
Cloud computing works by allowing client devices to access data and applications stored on remote servers. These servers are maintained in large data centers around the world, operated by cloud services providers such as Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. These providers lease out their computing resources - storage space, processing power, and networking capabilities - to users or organizations over the internet.
When you use a cloud service, your device sends a request over the internet to the remote server. The server then processes the request, runs the necessary applications, and sends back the results. This process happens in fractions of a second, so it feels like the computing is happening right where you are, even though it's occurring at a data center possibly thousands of miles away.
The landscape of cloud computing is dominated by major providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Learn more about the main cloud providersCloud computing is typically divided into three main categories:
Cloud computing isn't just the future – it's the present and the entire ecosystem of digital services we use today. It keeps our emails, photos, and documents safe while making enterprise-level software and computing power accessible to small businesses and individuals alike—all while we continue our journey into an increasingly digitized world.
Active Directory is a directory service developed by Microsoft for managing and organizing network resources within a Windows domain. It …
Antivirus software is a crucial component of cybersecurity. It is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, including viruses, …
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services, including storage, servers, networking, databases, analytics, and software, over the internet …
The world of cloud computing is rich with providers offering various types of services to meet the needs of individuals, …
A data center is a facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems. …
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) refers to a set of tools, processes, and policies put in place to prevent sensitive data …
A Disaster Recovery Plan is a formal document that outlines the procedures and strategies an organization will follow in the …
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security …
Firewall configuration refers to the process of setting up and managing the settings of a firewall system. This includes defining …
IT, or Information Technology, refers to the use of computer systems and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate …
IT outsourcing is the practice of contracting out various IT functions and services to third-party service providers. Organizations may choose …
LAN (Local Area Network) refers to a network that connects computers and devices within a limited area, such as a …
LAN segmentation refers to the practice of dividing a local area network (LAN) into multiple smaller networks or segments. This …
Mobile Application Management (MAM) is the process of managing and securing mobile applications used within an organization.
MAM involves controlling …
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a type of security software used by organizations to monitor, manage, and secure mobile devices …
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification to gain access to …
Password policies are guidelines and rules established by organizations to regulate the creation, management, and usage of passwords for accessing …
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides developers with a platform to build, deploy, and …
A public cloud refers to a cloud computing model in which cloud services, such as computing resources, storage, and applications, …
Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until a ransom …
Remote Desktop is a technology that allows users to access and control a computer or server from a remote location, …
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a methodology used to identify the underlying causes or contributing factors of a problem or …
Social engineering is a strategy used by malicious individuals or cybercriminals to manipulate and deceive people into divulging confidential information, …
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing model in which software applications are hosted and maintained by a …