What Is Cloud Computing?

Posted on January 9, 2023 | updated: March 23, 2023

You often hear of “the cloud” or “cloud computing”, but what, exactly, is it? In short, the cloud is a network of remote services hosted on the internet that are used to store, manage, and process data in place of local servers or personal computers. Read this article to learn more about cloud computing.

Questions that are answered in this article include the following:

What is cloud computing used for?

Cloud computing is used for many things, and its uses are increasing all of the time. It is currently being used for data storage, web hosting, software development, and analytics. It can also be used to provide services like streaming media, backing up information, and gaming.

What are some popular programs and apps that use cloud computing?

Popular programs and apps that use cloud computing include the following:
Google Drive – Google Drive allows you to share and synchronize files with other users or across devices. It has over a billion users and includes Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Classroom.
Dropbox – Dropbox is a popular file storage system that allows you to back up your information and share it easily.
Microsoft 365 – Microsoft 365 includes all of the popular Office products including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. It allows you to create, save, and share material easily and from anywhere.
Amazon Web Services – Amazon Web Services provides web hosting, content distribution and delivery, database solutions that are scalable according to business size, and software to assist business owners.
Zoom – Zoom allows businesses to collaborate in real time with video meetings, team chat, a virtual whiteboard, and webinars.

This is only a small sample of websites and apps that are taking advantage of this technology. The value and amount of services that are being offered through cloud computing is increasing exponentially and is expected to continue to do so into the near future.

What are some advantages of cloud computing?

With cloud computing, documents and other material are often saved automatically. When you choose the automatic save option, you no longer have to worry about closing a document without saving and losing everything or a power outage wiping out your work. Cloud computing also allows you to work on multiple devices. When you log in to your online account, your information is there regardless of where you are or the device you’re using. Cloud computing allows for easy sharing, gives you access to large apps and software that may be too big to fit on your personal computer’s harddrive, and allows you to play some video games seamlessly. Should you have to vacate the game unexpectedly, the cloud often saves your progress and allows you to continue where you left off.

What are some disadvantages of cloud computing?

The biggest issue with cloud computing regards security. Cloud computing involves storing data on remote servers, which leaves the information vulnerable to cyber attacks. There’s also privacy concerns because some of the info stored on the cloud is sensitive and that info can sometimes be accessed by the cloud provider. In addition, cloud computing requires internet connectivity to work, and if the cloud provider has service issues, you can lose access to your information. It is also difficult to switch from one cloud provider to another because of the complexities involved.

Cloud computing is expected to continue to grow in use and in the many ways it can be used in future years. For all intents and purposes, in addition to artificial intelligence, it is the future of computing.

Matraex is a premier app and software development company located in Boise, Idaho. If you have any questions involving computers, apps, or software development that you would like answers to, Matraex would like to help you get those answers. Contact us or call us at (208) 344-1115 and let us know. You can also direct message us online or leave a question on our Google business page. We look forward to answering all of your questions.

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