You’ve probably been using the cloud for years, whether or not you realize it.

If you have ever written a document on Google Docs or Microsoft Word Online, that’s cloud computing. If you’ve ever emailed a file so you could access it on another computer, that’s cloud storage (albeit in a roundabout way). If you’ve ever talked with someone using Zoom, Skype, GoToMeeting, or any other video or voice chat apps rather than the telephone, that’s cloud communication.

In other words, the cloud is the Internet. Experts in the industry use the cloud as a metaphor for that which is hosted on the Internet, as opposed to being stored locally like on a computer’s hard drive or USB flash drive. It’s that simple.

Where is the Cloud?

Data on the cloud is stored across many servers around the world, and can be accessed with just an internet connection using a browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Some data is constantly moving from one server to the next around the world, while other data is stationary on individual servers. Access to the data, however, does not exist through a direct connection to the server hosting that data. A cornerstone of the cloud is that no single location hosts all of the data in one place, but it is instead shared by many servers.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing, then, is the use of the Internet for functioning such as editing files and searching databases. Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides are great examples of cloud computing when compared to Office 365 software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While not as various in its functionality, Google apps are easier to access and save files, as they allow the user to work on their files from any device with an internet connection. Office 365, on the other hand, has a wider range of capabilities but requires installation and local storage of the software (on your computer). Microsoft Office does, in fact, have online versions of their tools, called “Office Online,” that is considered cloud computing (web-based = cloud)

Cloud Computing in Business

Almost every industry uses the cloud to optimize their processes. Storing files in the cloud (think OneDrive and Dropbox) makes sharing information across locations and around the world simple and fast. Hosting software on the cloud (such as online banking or Salesforce.com) enables access to those tools and resources anywhere on any device; this is called Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS. Creating custom applications for use across the company is called Platform-as-a-Service, or PaaS. Communication on the cloud (i.e. Slack, Discord, and Zoom) is faster and more affordable particularly when communicating internationally. And, most importantly, all of the information on the cloud is hosted securely and with minimal effort.

Some third-parties offer services to help businesses utilize the cloud effectively. One such industry is CSPs, or “Cloud Service Providers,” which are explained further in this article. These companies are established to provide cloud services such as hosting, security, and maintenance, for companies hosting software on the cloud.

Cloud-based Hardware

Google Chromebooks are a perfect example of cloud hardware, technology which is designed to function mostly or entirely on the cloud. Chromebooks store files to the cloud and run software through the cloud, with nearly zero data stored locally to the computer’s hard drive. These laptops are designed to function exclusively online and have only enough local storage to run the provided web-based apps. The greatest advantage to these devices is how compact and affordable they are when compared to typical laptops and desktops.