Cloud computing is the delivery of various services, such as storage, processing power, and software, over the internet (the cloud). Instead of owning physical hardware or data centers, businesses can rent access to anything from applications to storage from cloud service providers. This allows for scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency by eliminating the need for on-site IT infrastructure.

Types of Cloud Computing:

• Public Cloud:
• The cloud infrastructure is shared among multiple organizations (tenants).
• Hosted and managed by third-party cloud service providers (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud).
• Cost-effective, as it operates on a shared infrastructure.
• Ideal for businesses that require scalability and flexibility.
• Private Cloud:
• The cloud infrastructure is dedicated to a single organization.
• Can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider.
• Offers more control over resources and higher security, making it suitable for businesses with strict security or regulatory requirements.
• Hybrid Cloud:
• A combination of both public and private cloud environments.
• Allows data and applications to be shared between them.
• Provides businesses with more flexibility, leveraging the benefits of both private and public clouds.
• Multi-Cloud:
• Use of multiple cloud services from different providers simultaneously.
• Reduces reliance on a single vendor and allows businesses to take advantage of specific features from various providers.

Cloud Service Models (Based on Delivery):

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):
• Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet (e.g., servers, storage, and networks).
• Examples: AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine.
• Suitable for businesses looking for control over infrastructure without managing the physical hardware.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS):
• Offers a platform that allows developers to build, run, and manage applications without the complexity of managing infrastructure.
• Examples: AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Google App Engine.
• Ideal for developers who want to focus on coding without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.
• Software as a Service (SaaS):
• Provides access to software applications over the internet on a subscription basis.
• Examples: Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace.
• Suitable for businesses looking to access ready-to-use software applications without maintaining or installing them locally.

Cloud computing is widely used in business today for its scalability, cost-efficiency, and ease of access to resources and services.