What Is Cloud Computing (2025)

Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources—such as servers, storage, databases, and software—over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. Instead of buying, owning, and maintaining physical data centers, companies rent access to these services from cloud providers like AWS , Microsoft Azure , or Google Cloud .

Cloud computing is structured around three primary service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). These are delivered via public, private, or hybrid cloud environments, with multicloud strategies often used to combine providers. The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing what is cloud computing

According to NIST, core cloud computing characteristics include on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured, usage-based service. Cloud Service and Deployment Models Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT

This model allows businesses to move faster, lower costs, and scale infrastructure instantly, rather than waiting weeks to procure hardware. Key Characteristics These are delivered via public, private, or hybrid