Cloud computing is a technology that allows users to access and use computing resources (such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence) over the internet, often referred to as “the cloud.” This eliminates the need for owning and maintaining physical hardware, and users can scale resources based on their requirements. Popular cloud service providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

There are three main types of cloud computing services:

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Users can rent virtual machines, storage, and networking components, giving them flexibility and control over the infrastructure.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a platform that includes both hardware and software tools, allowing developers to build and deploy applications without worrying about managing the underlying infrastructure. It streamlines the development process.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Users can access these applications through a web browser without the need for installation or maintenance.

These models represent a spectrum of services, from the foundational infrastructure to fully managed applications.