1. What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources—such as servers, storage, and applications—over the internet.

Benefits:

• Low Capital Investment: Eliminates the need for purchasing physical hardware upfront.
• Virtualized Access: Infrastructure is abstracted and managed virtually.
• Pay-as-You-Go Model: Billing is usage-based, making it economical and scalable.

Real-World Examples:

• Instagram: Stores photos and videos on cloud infrastructure, accessible anytime—even after re-installation.
• Gmail & LinkedIn: Utilize cloud storage to back up and serve user data across devices.

2. Why Cloud Computing?

It offers a smarter alternative to traditional on-premise infrastructure.

Analogy:

• Owning a Car: Involves expenses like fuel, maintenance, insurance, and storage.
• Using Ride-Share (Uber/Ola): Pay only for each trip—no upkeep, no parking hassles.
• Cloud Computing: Similar to ride-sharing—no need to own servers; pay only when resources are used.

Limitations of On-Premise Setup:

• Requires physical space and hardware maintenance.
• Susceptible to viruses, breakdowns, and single-point failures.
• Needs continuous power and proper security—else risks downtime or theft.