What is Cloud Computing

Written on the 1st of November 2009 by Scott Linden Jones

What is Cloud Computing? (...in plain English!)

Cloud computing is just the provision of computing resources over the Internet.

In plain English, this means that an IT provider sets up servers,
applications and storage in their data centre, and customers
make use of these facilities over the internet, without needing to
have any servers themselves, nor any knowledge of how to
maintain that infrastructure.

What is a Virtual Server?

A virtual server is a server software environment often exactly the
same as what you are used to having in your business, for
example Windows Server 2008.
The main difference is that this software environment lives on an
IT provider's server hardware, at a remote data centre location.
A customer business will then use the virtual server environment
via their Internet connection, but other aspects of using the server
are the same as if the server hardware was sitting in the back room
of the customer business. So really its the same as having your own
server, but with less hassle and complexity, and less or zero
capital cost.

What else is Cloud Computing about?

Cloud computing can also entail using the IT providers equipment
for other purposes, such as large or fast or cheap storage capacity
or for delivery of very specific applications (SAAS). For such purposes
a client business would usually access these services via their web
browser or similar. You may also hear the term "Software as a Service"
(or SAAS), which is a similar concept.

So 'cloud computing' is just an IT industry buzz word for new methods of
remote computing that don't rely on you having any local IT equipment
other than an internet connection and a device that can browse the web. 

Contact It Leaders for more information about how virtual servers can help your business.
or more about our Virtual Farm or Storage facilities, or just contact us now to speak with our virtual server consultants.