Cloud services

Cloud computing provides access to information and communication technologies over the public internet or other private distributed network. Cloud services can be delivered through a private cloud, public cloud or hybrid cloud model.

Cloud services allow organisations to access infrastructure, storage, and software applications to meet fluctuating demand. Cloud providers typically use a "pay as you go" model.

Cloud services allow users to gain the benefits and advantages of a wide choice of technologies, without having to manage them directly, so organisations can focus on core business rather than ICT.

Cloud computing providers offer infrastructure as a service (storage, virtual machine, servers), platform as a service (database, web server, development tools) and software as a service (CRM, email, accounting, practice management and games).

The main issues and concerns are privacy, security and the availability of data should the internet or network be compromised in some way.

Privacy is an issue, because cloud providers can share information with third parties for purposes of law and order even without a warrant. Legal ownership of data is also an issue, with many terms of service being silent on the question of ownership.

Cloud services are defined as any service made available to users via the internet from a cloud computing provider's servers. Some of the most well-known cloud service providers are Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and IBM Cloud. These cloud service companies take on the computing needs of individuals or businesses.

In the past, businesses used to buy and maintain their own equipment and infrastructure for their IT needs. Things like servers, switches, fans, and lots and lots of cables were kept onsite and maintained by the IT department. But creating and maintaining your own IT infrastructure can be expensive, time-consuming, and unreliable. Businesses can access as many resources as they need almost instantly,