Could computing is the use of the internet to access servers in order to provide some service. Cloud computing can offer users use of computing power, software applications, or data services (like storage). Often when this technology provides an application it is referred to as software as a service or SaaS. This is because the user from their own personal computer communicates with a server via the internet to have some software “served” to them.

Examples

In our everyday lives we use cloud computing. For example, every time someone logs into Google Docs and begins editing a document they are being provided the software for document editing by Google's servers. Google Docs also allows you to upload your files to their servers. This allows for simple storage and extremely flexible access because now your documents are available as long as you have a internet connected computer.

Another popular example of this technology is Dropbox. Dropbox provides software allows you to set up a shared folder between all of your computers so you have access to your files from any of your computers. This folder is updated on all of the computers when any of the files are updated or new files are added. Dropbox even backs up all your data so you are able to access it online from any computer.

In the Future

The time where a family owns just one PC is coming to an end. Today we all have multiple devices between laptops, desktops, and smartphones. More than ever keeping our lives synced between them and have software provided for them is of the utmost importance. Cloud computing does an excellent job of doing both these things, and in the future cloud computing will only get better and become more prevalent.