Cloud computing occurs when a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet are used to store, manage, and process data. The idea behind this concept is that apps and data are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from anywhere, and on any device. Cloud computing works based on a grid of servers, storage devices, and protocols that offer Internet-accessible computing services. These services range from consumer-level media sharing to office productivity applications to complex corporate data processing. Using an Internet connection, consumers can access these services for free or for a fee referred to as software as a service. Cloud computing can help small business owners save money by providing solutions that can meet the server needs of the business. The business can contract with a cloud service to obtain the necessary server capacity to meet the needs of their customers.
Software as a service - A model in which consumers access applications from a cloud provider over the Internet using a browser.