What is the Cloud?

Switches, routers, servers, desktop infrastructure, applications, phone systems, voice mail systems, Internet connections, remote access, on-site and off-site back-ups... and on and on.  Implementing, managing, and maintaining a traditional business IT environment can be complex, time-consuming, and expensive.  Good thing that this isn't the only option…

Cloud computing changes all of this. It changes how all of these parts work together for you. It also changes how you implement, pay for, and access all of this equipment, storage, applications, and data.

Essentially, the Cloud enables connectivity from one place to shared resources located elsewhere, such as a data center. Those resources could include servers, data, applications, or other managed services. Users access these resources, which reside in the "Cloud," via the Internet. In this model, all the end user needs is some sort of device – be it a laptop, iPad, smartphone, or the like – and Internet access and, voila, you have access to those resources. Anytime, anywhere.  

The Cloud changes the way people store and access information.  It is a shift from individuals and businesses buying and maintaining equipment and software to having those resources managed and maintained by private companies and accessing those resources via the Internet as a service. Without expensive equipment to buy, manage, and maintain, a la the traditional IT model we mentioned above.

Because many businesses don't have the time or money to manage an ever-changing IT infrastructure, this model is increasingly attractive on numerous levels. This evolution has brought new opportunities for managing IT resources, driving productivity, and curtailing costs – along with a positive impact on the environment.

Read more about the benefits of the Cloud…. Green Cloud, more specifically.