This document discusses cloud computing and provides an overview of key concepts. It begins by looking at new demands for IT infrastructure including capacity, security, availability, and scalability. It then examines challenges of high operating costs and complexity. Benefits of cloud computing are outlined such as flexibility, scalability, and lower costs. Common cloud service models like SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS are defined along with deployment models. Examples of existing cloud systems like Amazon AWS, Google App Engine, and Microsoft Azure are also mentioned.