Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. Cloud computing and storage solutions provide users and enterprises with various capabilities to store and process their data in third-party data centers.

Cloud computing, or in simpler shorthand just “the cloud”, also focuses on maximizing the effectiveness of shared resources. Cloud resources are usually not only shared by multiple users but are also dynamically reallocated per demand. This can work for allocating resources to users. For example, a cloud computer facility serving European users during business hours with a specific application may reallocate the same resources to serve North American users during their business hours with a different application.

This approach maximizes the use of computing power while reducing environmental impact, power consumption, air conditioning requirements and rack space. With cloud computing, multiple users can access a single server to retrieve and update their data without purchasing licenses for different applications.