What is 'Cloud Computing'? What are its characteristics?

Cloud computing means storing, accessing data and programs over the internet using sources other than the hard drive of the computer. It is a type of internet-based computing where different services such as servers, storage and applications are delivered to an organisation's computers and devices via the internet.

The characteristics of cloud computing are as follows:

1. The user is able to access the information at any time by logging on to the Internet.
2. Information is easily accessible from any place or any location.
3. It provides instant monitoring of the resources accessed by the users.
4. It allows multiple resource sharing.
5. It is self-service where you can compute or store the information without human interaction.