Delivering computing resources such as servers, storage, databases, and software over the internet on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Instead of buying and maintaining their own hardware, organizations rent capacity from cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Resources can be scaled up or down in minutes.
Cloud services are usually grouped into three models. Infrastructure as a Service provides raw virtual machines and networks. Platform as a Service offers managed environments where developers just deploy code. Software as a Service delivers complete applications, like email or CRM, through a browser. Deployment can be public, private, or hybrid. Benefits include flexibility and speed, while challenges include unpredictable bills, vendor lock-in, and the need to configure security correctly, since misconfigured cloud storage is a frequent cause of data leaks.
A cloud feature that automatically adds or removes computing resources based on demand, so applications stay responsive without overpaying.
Cloud MigrationThe process of moving applications, data, and workloads from on-premises servers or one cloud to a cloud environment.
Data CenterA facility that houses servers, storage, and networking equipment, along with the power and cooling systems needed to run them.
Edge ComputingProcessing data close to where it is generated, such as on devices or local servers, instead of sending everything to a distant data center.
FinOpsA practice that brings engineering, finance, and business teams together to manage cloud spending and get the most value from it.
Hybrid CloudA computing setup that combines on-premises infrastructure or a private cloud with public cloud services, managed as one environment.
Infrastructure as a ServiceA cloud model, known as IaaS, in which a provider rents out computing resources such as virtual servers, storage, and networking on demand.
Multi-CloudA strategy of using services from two or more public cloud providers rather than relying on a single one.
Platform as a ServiceA cloud model that provides a ready-to-use environment for building, deploying, and running applications without managing servers.
ServerlessA cloud model where developers run code without managing servers, and the provider automatically handles scaling and charges per use.
Software as a ServiceA model in which software is hosted in the cloud and delivered to users over the internet, usually through a subscription.
TerraformA widely used infrastructure as code tool that lets teams define cloud resources in configuration files and create them automatically.
Virtual MachineA software-based computer that runs its own operating system and applications on shared physical hardware.
XaaSAnything as a Service: the broad trend of delivering products, tools, and capabilities over the internet as subscription-based services.
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