Cloud Computing refers to a shared computer architecture, which is best exemplified by the Internet. The generally held belief is that the term 'cloud computing' was inspired by the flow chart diagrams developed to represent the Internet.

Cloud computing does have some attributes which distinguish it from mainframe computing, which are outlined below.

1. Fully controlled by the provider.
2. Provided on demand.
3. Unlimited supply.

Another aspect of cloud computing is the demands set upon the user, which are minimal. A user accessing a cloud computing service only requires a computer, access to computer networking, such as the Internet, and a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.

The clear advantage to users, is that cloud computing removes any initial payment for hardware or software. Payment is either through subscription, advertisements by the provider, or another model.

The architecture of cloud computing contains two distinct parts, the front and back end. The software part of the architecture comprises the front end, which interacts with the end user, whereas the hardware is the back end, such as the server storage.

Some of the largest cloud services are listed below,

• Amazon Web Services
• Google's Cloud
• Salesforce's Cloud