So why the term “Cloud Computing” ?
Let’s first see how the internet became a cloud. Remember the basic network diagrams you see for internal networks ?

The network is clearly visible.  In this case you probably know all the equipment used ( the routers, switches, cables etc). The important thing is that you pay to install them, maintain them and use them.

Now think about the internet. It is rarely shown like the image above. It is usually shown like

internet as a cloud

So why is the internet always depicted as a cloud. Because we do not really know or want to know how it operates. There are multiple vendors using various kinds of equipment. It has satellite links, trans-atlantic cables, fiber-optic cables and I don’t know what else. But that is the essence of it –

“I don’t know how it works” but “It works”.

When ever I need to use it – it is there. Different parts of it can be failing but on the whole it is there.  Also as it is being upgraded – new cables/equipment being added/removed – users are not affected.

And I think people want the same thing with computers and ergo the metaphor of the “Cloud” and “Cloud Computing”.

Over the next few posts we will cover different products and how they try to meet these basic needs of people.

• It should be available when needed
• Don’t want to know the details of how it works