Cloud Computing

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is the access to resources on computers through PPU, or pay-per-use, pricing. This computing gives access to physical/virtual servers, storage, software, etc.

Is cloud computing a new technology per se? In other words, what are the unique technology features of cloud computing, if any?

No, it is not a new technology, as its origin begin in the early 1960s, through the introduction of global networking ideas from Dr. Joseph Carl Robnett Licklider. The unique technological features of cloud computing is its On-Demand Self Service, Broad Network Access, Resource Pooling, Rapid Elasticity, and its Measured Service.

What are the three major cloud service models?

The three major cloud service models are Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

Name at least 3 real-world domains where the application of cloud computing was (or can be) very enabling and effective.

3 real-world domains where the application of cloud computing was effective is the automobile industry, aerospace, and weather prediction. For the automobile industry, it allowed companies like the Ford Motor Company to create simulations for test crashes, performance, and more. For aerospace, it allows industries like NASA to create spacecraft and satellite simulations. Lastly, for weather prediction, cloud computing creates weather models, which are vital in weather forecasting.

What is the economic/business model of cloud computing?

The economic/business model of cloud computing is that users have to pay for cloud services rather than needing physical software. By using remote servers rather than local computers, the cloud computing model is flexible and scalable, which lower costs for businesses, making it highly influential and impactful.

References

If you want to learn more about cloud computing, check these links:

Susnjara, Stephanie and Ian Smalley. "What is cloud computing?" IBM, IBM, https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/cloud-computing. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

"Characteristics of Cloud Computing." GeeksForGeeks, Sanchhaya Education Private Limited, 12 Jul. 2025, https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/cloud-computing/characteristics-of-cloud-computing/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

D, Meghana. "7 Real-World Cloud Computing Engineering Applications." GUVI, Guvi Geeks Network Pvt. Ltd, 6 Mar. 2025, https://www.guvi.in/blog/real-world-cloud-computing-applications/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Vu, Billie. "What Is The Cloud Computing Business? Elevate Your Career Intelligence In 2025." SAVVYCOM, Savvycom, 8 May, 2024, https://savvycomsoftware.com/blog/what-is-the-cloud-computing-business/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.