
Cloud computing means using computers, storage and software that run on the internet instead of on equipment you own and maintain yourself.
A simple way to think about it
Imagine renting a workshop instead of building one. You use what you need, and someone else looks after the building. Cloud services work the same way for computing power and storage.
What businesses use it for
- Hosting websites and applications
- Storing and backing up files and databases
- Running business software without buying servers
- Growing capacity when demand increases
Benefits and things to watch
The main benefits are flexibility, easier backups and paying for what you use. Things to watch are cost control, security settings and choosing the right provider for your needs.
Where to go next
If you want to build these skills, look at our Cloud Computing and AWS Cloud courses. If your business needs help moving to the cloud, see our cloud solutions.