Cloud computing is a service paradigm that enables IT users to access computing resources via the internet. A cloud-like icon is often used to represent the internet in network designs and flowcharts.
A cloud computing environment differs from a traditional computing environment in the following five ways:
Customers can self-provision computer resources on-demand through self-service.
Internet-based resources are supplied and accessible over the network.
Resource Pools – by pooling resources, several customers' needs can be met.
Elasticity – resources can be swiftly provisioned or scaled down to meet real-time demands.
Measured Services - the customer can keep track of and control resource usage.