Cloud computing
Learn what people mean by the cloud and distinguish hosted storage, software, and computing resources.
What the cloud means#
Cloud computing provides storage, applications, or computing resources through network-accessible systems operated in data centres. The work still runs on physical computers; those computers are remote and managed as a service.
Common service types#
Cloud storage keeps files on provider-managed systems and may synchronize them across devices. Software as a service delivers an application through a browser or client. Infrastructure services provide virtual computing, networking, and storage that customers configure.
Synchronization and backup#
Synchronization keeps locations aligned. If a file is deleted or corrupted, that change may synchronize too. Version history and independent backups provide different recovery protections. Check the actual service features instead of assuming every cloud copy is a permanent backup.
Benefits and trade-offs#
Cloud services can improve access, collaboration, scalability, and maintenance. They also create dependence on connectivity, provider availability, account security, pricing, data location, and export options.
Shared responsibility#
The provider secures parts of the underlying service, while the customer remains responsible for choices such as strong authentication, permissions, device security, correct configuration, and suitable data handling. The exact boundary depends on the service.
Common mistakes#
“In the cloud” does not mean public to everyone, but poor sharing settings can expose data. Nor does a reputable provider remove the need for account recovery and backups.
Choose deliberately#
Review access control, encryption, recovery, data export, retention, cost, and what happens if the service is unavailable or discontinued.
Key points
- Cloud services provide computing resources over a network.
- Storage, hosted applications, and infrastructure are different service types.
- Synchronization is not always the same as an independent backup.
- Security and availability are shared responsibilities between provider and customer.