The definition for the cloud can seem murky, but essentially, it’s a term used to describe a global network of servers, each with a unique function. The cloud is not a physical entity, but instead is a vast network of remote servers around the globe which are hooked together and meant to operate as a single ecosystem. These servers are designed to either store and manage data, run applications, or deliver content or a service such as streaming videos, web mail, office productivity software, or social media. Instead of accessing files and data from a local or personal computer, you are accessing them online from any Internet-capable device—the information will be available anywhere you go and anytime you need it.
Businesses use four different methods to deploy cloud resources. There is apublic cloudthat shares resources and offers services to the public over the Internet, aprivate cloudthat isn’t shared and offers services over a private internal network typically hosted on-premises, ahybrid cloudthat shares services between public and private clouds depending on their purpose, and a community cloud that shares resources only between organizations, such as with government institutions.
