What is Cloud Computing?

     The phrase "it's in the cloud" is frequently used in today's society - but what does it really mean?  The concept of saving information in "the cloud" derives from the term cloud computing. According to Kenneth and Jane Laudon, the author's of Management Information Systems, Managing the Digital Firm, cloud computing "refers to a model of computing that provides access to a shared pool of computing resources (computers, storage, applications, and services), over a network, often the Internet" (170).  Any information saved in "the cloud" can be easily accessed in any location and on any device.

     
     We no longer need to worry about losing all of our files and information if our computer crashes; we can easily access our files and information by saving them in the cloud.  We no longer need to worry about saving an assignment for class or work on a USB device; we can save our assignments for class or work in the cloud and access it from any device.  For example, I was writing a paper for a history class I was taking, and I decided I wanted to work on my paper in a different location.  I simply saved my paper on the website www.dropbox.com and I was able to continue working on my paper on the library's computer.
    For those of you who are new to the concept of cloud computing, let's cover the basics...

• How does cloud computing work?
• Cloud computing uses software and technology to make all computers in the world act as one individual computer. Kenneth and Jane Laudon explain that "thousands or even hundreds of thousands of computers are located in cloud data centers, where they can be accessed by desktop computers, laptop computers, netbooks, entertainment centers, mobile devices, and other client machines linked to the internet, with both personal and corporate computing increasingly moving to mobile platforms"(170).
• Who can use cloud computing?
• Anyone that has access to the internet.
• Where did the term "cloud computing" originate?
• According to a CNBC article, "the concept of cloud computing dates back to the 1960's....the phrase originates from the cloud symbol used by flow charts and diagrams to symbolize the Internet... any computer connected to the web has access to a pool of computing power, applications and files."  
• To read more of the CNBC article, use the link: http://www.cnbc.com/id/43077233/page/2

Continue reading this blog for more information regarding cloud computing!

Sources:

• "Cloud Computing 101: Learning the Basics." CNBC.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2013.
•  Laudon, Kenneth C., Jane Price Laudon, Ahmed Elragal, and Kenneth C. Laudon.Management      Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
• "Network Diagram Examples." - Examples of Network Diagrams You Can Create Using SmartDraw. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2013.