What is the Cloud (In simple terms)

The term cloud computing and software-as-a-service have become two of the most tossed around buzz words over the past year or two. Defining these terms will provide a framework for discussing the additional topics that make up cloud computing.

What is cloud computing? Better yet, what is software-as-a-service? Are they the same thing? Are they necessary? Why do we care? How does social networking fit in here? Can we utilize these technologies?

Cloud computing - “Cloud computing is a computing paradigm in which tasks are assigned to a combination of connections, software and services accessed over a network. This network of servers and connections is collectively known as "the cloud." Computing at the scale of the cloud allows users to access supercomputer-level power. Using a thin client or other access point, like an iPhone, BlackBerry or laptop, users can reach into the cloud for resources as they need them. For this reason, cloud computing has also been described as "on-demand computing."” (searchenterprisedesktop.com)

Remember the “Cloud” is not the Internet, as some would believe. The Internet is utilized as a vehicle but it is not the cloud. Google, Amazon, eBay, etc utilize cloud technologies to provide services via the Internet. The cloud technologies are an operating technology built on a vast number of computers that provide a service.

There are three areas which we will focus on over the next several days: Applications, Hardware and Social Networking.

Cloud technologies are about to revolutionize our systems.... And mostly, the way we do business.