Cloud computing enables on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources like hardware and software that can be accessed over the internet. There are three main categories of cloud: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Cloud computing provides benefits like increased business agility, flexible capacity, lower costs, and faster adoption of new technologies. However, concerns about cloud include data security, reliability, vendor lock-in, and lack of control and transparency.

1. Cloud Computing
By Mukesh Pandey

2. Introduction
Information Technology is in the
early stages of a dramatic shift
from client/server architecture to
cloud computing, a shift that
promises not just cheaper
computing, but also
faster, easier, more flexible, and
more effective computing.

3. Cloud Definition
Cloud computing enables access
through the Internet to a shared
pool of computing resources
(hardware, software etc.) that can
be tapped on demand and configured
and scaled up or down as needed.

4. Cloud Categories
There are three main categories of the cloud -
1. Software as Service (Saas), in which users "rent"
access to software application functionality (e.g.
CRM, email) over the internet
2. Platform as a Service (Paas), in which users develop
and/or run their own applications in a cloud platform
environment, with the provider managing the operating
system, storage, hardware and networking
3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), in which users run
all their own systems, including operating systems etc., on
a cloud provider's infrastructure

5. Benefits of the Cloud
1. Increased business agility
2. Flexible Capacity
3. Faster adoption of new technology
4. Lower fixed costs (shift from capital
expenditure to operational expenditure)
5. Lower up-front costs to
develop/delpoy IT systems
6. Always on newest versions of software
without IT updates/patches

6. Advantages of Cloud
1. Let us experiment more easily at low
cost
2. Enables deeper collaboration with
business partners
3. Frees up IT resources to work on more
strategic things
4. Is a source of competitive advantage
for early adopters
5. Lowers the cost of doing business

7. Types of Cloud Usage
1. Public - Computing Resources are
externally hosted by a third-party
service provider, shared with other
organizations, provisioned dynamically and
billed based on use
2. Private - Cloud environment is not
shared with other organizations
3. Hybrid - Operates in both public and
private cloud environments

8. Significant Concerns
1. Data Security
2. Reliability/business continuity
3. Legal/Compliance issues
4. Lack of interoperability with existing
IT systems
5. Vendor lock-in
6. Lack of control
7. Lack of transperency
8. Lack of standards

9. Future of the Cloud
Consult Mukesh Pandey :-)