Cloud computing is a technology that relies on shared computing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to handle applications. It is essentially a distributed model that opens up a world of potential for businesses to operate significantly more efficiently. It is an area of computing that entails storing, managing, processing, and exchanging different types of data through the Internet, functionally optimizing various crucial operations (Knorr & Gruman, 2020).
Cloud computing delivers various services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence over the Internet ("the cloud") to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. It usually operates by storing data on a physical server maintained by a cloud provider, who charges based on use, just like a utility bill (Marston et al., 2011).
There are three main types of cloud computing services: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). IaaS is a self-service model for accessing, monitoring, and managing remote data center infrastructures. PaaS provides a platform for customers to develop, run, and manage applications. SaaS allows users to connect to and use cloud-based applications over the Internet (Mell & Grance, 2011).