A basic description of the CLOUD

A cloud system or cloud computing technology refers to the computing components (hardware, software and infrastructure) that enable the delivery of cloud computing services such as: SaaS (software as a service), PaaS (platform as a service) and IaaS (infrastructure as service) via a network (i.e. the Internet). Cloud system users access computing services using web browsers, which represents a computing model that shifts the computing workload to a remote location. Internet based email applications are a prime example of a cloud system that provides a platform for the delivery electronic messaging services. Cloud computing is also sometimes referred to as utility computing, since consumer usage of cloud systems is metered and billed in a manner similar to a commodity like water or electric services.