What Is “The Cloud”?

Focus: Foundation — The Client–Server Model and Distributed Access

Key Notes

• Definition: The cloud is a global network of servers that store, manage, and process data, accessible over the Internet.
• Client–Server Relationship:
  • Client: the device requesting a service (e.g., your laptop or phone).
  • Server: a machine that provides the requested data or resource.
  • Every time you check email, stream video, or open Google Docs, you’re using this model.

Analogy

The cloud isn’t “in the sky.” It’s someone else’s computer, connected through high-speed data centers that never sleep.

Core Concepts

• Virtualization: running multiple simulated computers (VMs) on one physical server.
• Scalability: ability to add or remove resources instantly.
• Reliability: redundancy across multiple data centers.
• Access: secured through authentication and network routing.

Discussion Prompts

• Why do companies move from on-premise servers to cloud systems?
• What could go wrong if client–server communication fails?