What is Cloud Computing? Its History, Features, Uses & Everything Need to Know

Most of us would have seen or heard big brands promoting their cloud services. Ever wondered what cloud technology is and how it is revolutionizing the way data is used and stored?

Cloud computing has become a popular buzzword in today’s time. If you are a beginner who is trying to understand the basics of this concept, this is the perfect article for you.

Now, without wasting any time, let us understand what is cloud computing in its simple terms, its history, features, uses and every other important thing that being a beginner you need to know.

So, let’s get started.

What is Cloud Computing?

In layman’s language, this type of computing allows a user to keep information on a ‘cloud’ instead of keeping all files on the computer. The cloud acts as a remote database or server.

Cloud computing is referred to as a system used to deliver different categories of Information Technology (IT) and computer-based services through a cloud-based platform that is made available at any time, anywhere, and from any device through the internet.

Essentially, it is the process of hosting or making use of various services on a commonly shared platform known as ‘the cloud’.

To put it in simple words, it is nothing but the use of a commonly shared platform for various business or personal applications and services. It is a method or a paradigm through which a user can avail access to software applications, computer programs, storage databases, servers, analytics, etc.

Let us deconstruct the cloud computing definition further. Cloud computing simply means the use of:

• A particular network of remote servers
• Hosted through the internet
• To store, process, and manage databases and allow different applications.

The Main Features of Cloud Computing

When you know what cloud computing is, it’s time to know about its features. And I’m sure you’re going to love all the features of Cloud Computing.

• Works through cloud storage which lets you access files online through a data server.
• Data can be sent and received.
• In cloud computing, files are stored on the cloud, not in a traditional hard drive.
• If a user has an internet facility, all the files can be accessed through the web to any device.
• This is cost-effective for both businesses and individuals as it eliminates the expenses involved in purchasing hardware/software and installing the same.
• It offers a new business model for companies.
• Those who use this service can pay as they use and hence it works out economically.

What Are The Uses of Cloud Computing in Daily Life?

You might already be using cloud computing services in your everyday life without your knowledge. For example, you can save photos in a cloud or drive on a smartphone and access it through the internet. This means that all your photos can be backed up and saved in a cloud-based server without having to invest in multiple memory cards or hard drives for data storage.

Remember, you can lose your hard drive but not the data that is stored in the cloud. You can also back up your music and other files, etc. Some of the popular cloud storage services are Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.

People have realized that using these cloud storage platforms helps them save a lot of space on their computers, tablets, or smartphones. In simple words, this is what cloud computing essentially is. Cloud computing also helps businesses similarly and saves big on costs.

Before the development of cloud-based solutions, companies had to invest a considerable sum of money in setting up an information management system and IT infrastructure. This involved purchasing the required infrastructure, setting it up, and also providing service and maintenance for the same.

Now, with the emergence of the cloud, all of the above applications can be used online to create a presentation or share a spreadsheet, for example.

Cloud computing is also being used in different sectors around us such as in the education sector to help students get access to study material, in the healthcare sector, and more. When organizations seek to harness the full potential of the cloud, they often turn to 3rd party cloud computing professionals. These experts bring specialized knowledge to optimize cloud-based strategies and infrastructure, aligning them with specific business needs, and ensuring a smooth transition into the cloud era.

History Of Cloud Computing

This concept has its origins in the 1960s when the need for such a service was recognized in the industry. In fact, it was around this time that the concept of delivering computer-based services through a worldwide network took birth.

However, the real applications of this system could begin only after the emergence of the internet in the 1990s. References to this particular term were first made in the year 1996. By the 2000s, cloud computing took full form.

In recent years, cloud computing has threatened to change the way the IT industry functions. There are different types of cloud computing. It is not just a type of technology but a type of system that offers different kinds of services.

The services offered are infrastructure, platform, and software services. This new system provides many benefits to businesses in different segments. A firm can securely use software across various platforms and devices, giving seamless accessibility.

However, this type of computing is not just limited to the storing or accessing of files. It can be used for various essential business applications, like checking official emails from any device for instance.

The Bottom Line: A Concluding Note

Overall, the benefits that cloud computing offers cannot be ignored. The advantages include cost reduction, speedier services, global reach, and better performance. This system relieves developing countries of the cost burden of expensive infrastructure.

It can come to use in various areas and sectors such as banking, healthcare, information technology, sciences, etc. If you are looking for optimal resource utilization, cloud computing is the perfect answer.

Cloud-based backup solutions have also been simplifying data storage. In the coming years, the scope of cloud computing will only expand and provide newer and updated applications to all categories of users.

Note: This article contains a sponsored link to www.dataknox.io.