This document provides an overview of cloud computing. It discusses how cloud computing takes place over the Internet and involves integrated hardware, software, and network infrastructure accessed as a service. Cloud platforms hide complexity and provide simple interfaces. Services are available on-demand from anywhere and scale up or down as needed. Customers pay for what they use. The document outlines the advantages of cloud computing like ubiquity, commodification, and a utility model. It describes common cloud characteristics like massive scale, virtualization, and service orientation. Finally, it provides examples of products and services that can be hosted in the cloud.