Characteristics

On demand self service - user can order the service without human interaction

Can be accessed from many different platforms (smartphones,tablets, PCs)

Resourcers can me relocated on demand.

Measured service - Resource usage can be measured, controled and reported

Advanteges

Ease of access - The user can access the data anywhere with a internet connection

Ease of use - There is no need of installing and maintance from the user.

Cloud computing when appropriately optiimized greatly reduces data storage costs.

History

First usage of the term and symbol in 1977
by ARPANET

First true mention of Cloud computing in 1996 by Compay

In 2008 NASA's OpenNebula became the first open source software for deploying clouds.

Today, Cloud computing is massively used by corporations and private users.

Disadvanteges

Danger of losing important and sensitive data.

Paying for the service.

Providers have to devote high resources to maintan it.