The cloud actually refers to cloud computing. So, what is cloud computing? According to Merriam Webster, cloud computing is “the practice of storing regularly used computer data on multiple servers that can be accessed through the Internet.” Another way to look at cloud computing is that it is a service. You can access software and/or hardware as a service by another company over the Internet.
Cloud computing gives users on-demand access to computing resources through the Internet. In very simple terms, instead of performing an action only using your computer hardware and software that you have at home or at work, you can use cloud computing resources that provide servers, data storage, software applications, and more. The computing that takes place isn’t seen by you, the user, and whatever task you are trying to accomplish is completed somewhere in the cloud that you access via the Internet.
Examples of Cloud Computing
It is highly likely that you are using the cloud today. You may be using cloud computing when you access your email, use an online document editor, listen to your music playlist, and watch streaming shows. So now that we know that the cloud is really services performed via Internet access, let’s look at some specific examples of cloud computing that you may be using.
Email Services
If you are using email services such as Google Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, or Yahoo, you are using public cloud-based email services. In other words, the cloud computing is actually a service used to send, receive, and store your emails.
Social Media
When you are checking your Twitter account, editing your LinkedIn profile, or watching a YouTube video, you are using a cloud computing service.
Security Devices
The Ring Doorbell and Google Nest are cameras that act as security devices. They record when motion is detected, and the video data they capture is stored on a cloud server.
Document Editors
Google Docs is a popular online document editor that uses cloud computing to run the application and store your files in the cloud. This eliminates the need for local files and allows you to easily collaborate with others. Microsoft Office 365 and Zoho Docs are other online document management software tools that use cloud computing platforms.
Streaming Entertainment Services
The list of cloud-based entertainment services is endless. Applications such as Netflix and Hulu have been streaming shows to our various devices for years now, taking advantage of cloud technology in the process.
Cloud Computing
Now you know that the cloud is being used by almost everyone who has access to the Internet. It affects many areas of our lives. We use it to share photos, send/receive emails, and watch our favorite shows to name only a few.
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies turned to cloud computing in order to accommodate employees working from home. They also moved to cloud computing to provide robust online services to consumers.