Cloud computing

A term used to describe services over a network by a collection of servers. These computers or cloud of computers enable the users visiting to have access to a much faster computers or servers, be able to access programs and services from anywhere with Internet access often without having to install other software, and get access to the services from any type of device capable of reaching the network or Internet.

Because the term cloud computing is so broad it's likely if you've spent any time on the Internet or use devices connected to the Internet that you've used some type of cloud computing. Below are some common examples of cloud computing you've likely heard of and/or used.

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) - Amazon.com provides a variety of different cloud computing services
• Google App Engine - A service that provides users the ability to create scalable web services that use Google's resources.
• Google Calendar - A way to organize your schedule, synchronize, and share events with your friends.
• Google Docs - A fantastic free solution from Google that allows you to open many types of Microsoft Office documents as well as share them with other users with Internet access.
• Web sites - Many popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Picasa, and YouTube are also often considered parts of cloud computing as

Also see: AWS, Network definitions, P2P, SaaS, Supercomputer, Web 2.0