Cloud computing allows you to move the heavy lifting and crunching of data off your device into massive computer clusters located in cyberspace. You can access these huge computers via the Internet. This allows you to access your files apps, files, and development tools from any location. This allows you to perform more effectively on your laptop in a congested train carriage or on your phone at a conference table.
This also means that if the power goes out in your office the work you have done will be waiting for you when it turns back on as the cloud stores a backup of all your data and applications. Some of the biggest companies around the globe have made the switch to the cloud and have tested its security and performance.
There are a variety of different kinds of cloud service and deployment models. They are typically categorized into four service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) and Serverless/Function-as-a-Service (FaaS). Cloud computing and “cloud” are often used in conjunction. However it is crucial to understand the distinctions between IaaS, PaaS, and FaaS so that you can determine which cloud deployment model is best suited to your needs.
With IaaS you are renting an entire set of hardware – firewalls, servers and virtual machines as well as storage from cloud providers. This is ideal for companies who create unique or specialized proprietary applications that require servers to be maintained and controlled but don’t wish to invest the money or time purchasing, storing or setting up their own equipment.