The Cloud is a computing concept in which on-site servers are replaced with remote servers, software, and databases that are accessed over the internet.

The cloud is a powerful platform that offers robust, reliable, and cost-effective server solutions by leveraging the advanced infrastructure and services of an off-site data center. By definition, cloud servers are redundant, resilient, scalable, and secure, with multiple layers of physical and digital protection to ensure authorized data access and business continuity. Companies that opt for a cloud platform can enjoy dedicated hosting with the flexibility to scale up or down quickly to meet changing business needs.

Other common terms associated with the cloud and cloud computing include:

• Cloud onramp — also known as a cloud exchange, which connects a company’s IT network directly to its internet provider (or providers) of choice within a data center where they both rent space
• Hybrid cloud — a blend of one or more public cloud providers connected to a private cloud or traditional data center infrastructure
• Interconnection — also known as cloud interconnect or cloud data center interconnect (cloud DCI), a networking strategy that connects data center resources across all types of public, private and hybrid clouds; facilitates dynamic provisioning of bandwidth
• Public cloud — allows the general public to access IT resources via the internet on an as-needed basis; operated by a service provider that manages the infrastructure and software in a multitenant environment