Cloud Computing: Utility Computing Over the Internet

Cloud computing has become a hot topic in the IT industry, as it allows people to buy computing resources in the same way as utility services like water and power. Cloud computing services are delivered over the Internet which makes them a viable alternative to building a own computing infrastructure. This paper examines what cloud computing is and what kind of advantages it brings. In addition, this paper looks at the disadvantages and compares cloud computing to it's near relative, grid computing.