What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing has the potential to alter the way we handle data. In the old days, our productivity was limited by our hardware. But this is no longer the case. Cheaper high-speed internet access, has provided us with network based solutions. The cloud now enables us to do more, with less.

What is it?

But what do we really know about cloud computing. Despite what you might think, ‘The Cloud’ isn’t some omnipresent system that stores data and operates from the skies. It is a term used to describe a network of powerful computers/servers that work together as one, to process and store your data.

The Cloud operates off of the same basic principles as the device you are currently using. But, instead of a single device doing the thinking, storing your pictures, and accessing spreadsheets, the cloud does this. It consists of a room or area filled with similarly powerful computers working together as a single machine. Think of it as a thousand of your laptops acting as one single device.

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How is it used in our daily lives?

Gmail is an email app that not only allows you to send and receive emails. It works in the background to sort, archive and manage your email accounts. Google Drive and Photos are cloud based storage solutions for your data and pictures.

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Want to search for an email? Just type what you are looking for in the Gmail search field. Once you hit enter, the cloud goes to work to sort through your entire mailbox to find what you are looking for. The same principle applies for Google Drive and Photos.

An important document that you created on your home PC last night, will be accessible on your smartphone while on your commute to the office. Your phone won’t turn on and you are afraid that you’ve lost countless memorable pictures? Not to worry, it has been safely stored in the cloud.

How does it benefit us?

Cloud computing has made us less reliant on our own personal computers or devices. Even the most basic of hardware can run cloud based applications almost effortlessly. WhatsApp Skype, Facebook and Spotify are prime examples of cloud computing doing the heavy lifting.

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The cloud is more than just storage space for your cat pictures. It is an army of powerful computers that do most of the data processing, data storage and resource pooling that would otherwise be done by your PC.

It’s extremely cost effective because you don’t need to worry about hard disk space, data corruption or malfunctioning hardware. This means, you are less likely to run into problems that need to be resolved by an IT person. Companies can use this scalability to deploy multiple systems with minimal downtime.

The cloud will does all the work and syncing. All that is needed on our end is a fast and stable internet connection on a device that’s completely operational.

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