Cloud Computing is a general term used to describe a new class of network based computing that takes place over the Internet, -basically a step on from Utility Computing -a collection/group of integrated and networked hardware, software and Internet infrastructure (called a platform). The hardware and software services are available to general public, enterprises, corporations and businesses markets. TYPES OF CLOUD: There are different types of clouds that you can subscribe to depending on your needs. As a home user or small business owner, you will most likely use public cloud services. 1.public 2.hybrid 3.community 4.private PURPOSE AND BENEFITS -Cloud computing enables companies and applications, which are system infrastructure dependent, to be infrastructure-less. -By using the Cloud infrastructure on “pay as used and on demand”, all of us can save in capital and operational investment! -Clients can: Put their data on the platform instead of on their own desktop PCs and/or on their own servers. They can put their applications on the cloud and use the servers within the cloud to do processing and data manipulations etc. Features of Cloud Computing • Cost • Agility • Security • Reliability • Scalability • Availability • Performance • Device and Location Independence Cloud Computing Service Providers • Amazon • App Nexus • Google AppEngine • Go Grid • Microsoft Windows Azure • Rack Space Conclusion The cloud provides many options for the everyday computer user as well as large and small businesses. It opens up the world of computing to a broader range of uses and increases the ease of use by giving access through any internet connection. However, with this increased ease also come drawbacks. You have less control over who has access to your information and little to no knowledge of where it is stored. You also must be aware of the security risks of having data stored on the cloud. The cloud is a big target for malicious individuals and may have disadvantages because it can be accessed through an unsecured internet connection.