Cloud computing is the use of computing resources (hardware and software) that are delivered as a service over a network (typically the Internet). Cloud computing entrusts remote services with a user's data, software and computation.

There are many types of public cloud computing available. Below are some flavors of this:

• Software as a service (SaaS)
• Data as a service (DaaS)
• Database as a service (DBaaS)
• Network as a service (NaaS)
• Storage as a service (STaaS)
• Security as a service (SECaaS)
• API as a service (APIaaS)
• Integrated development environment as a service (IDEaaS)
• and more...

Traditional businesses had to build and maintain infrastructure to run applications at their physical locations. With the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, businesses can consume applications that are hosted online, enabling them to lower their costs by paying only for what they use, enjoy seamless and painless upgrades in functionality, and integrate easily with their existing data and systems. SaaS providers generally price applications using a subscription fee. Example: Amazon AWS.

Companies of all sizes are running business applications in the cloud to lower costs, deploy more quickly, and simplify infrastructure management. This service providers offer a reliable and flexible cloud infrastructure platform that enables customers to run all types of business applications, from small departmental solutions to mission-critical applications that automate company-wide business processes.

Web, Mobile, and Social refers to the collection of tools and technologies required to power internet applications. Service providers provide on-demand access to scalable web and application servers, storage, databases, content delivery, cache, search and other application services that make it easier to build and run apps that deliver a great customer experience.

Gaming companies are running their games in the Cloud in order to lower costs, deploy applications faster and more easily scale. Businesses are running their photo, video and file storage applications in the Cloud to lower costs, improve time-to-market and easily scale their storage. High Performance Computing allows scientists and engineers to solve complex science, engineering and business problems using applications that require high bandwidth, low latency networking, and very high compute capabilities.

The tools to support data collection, computation along with collaboration and sharing will be available in a couple of clicks. Businesses of all sizes are archiving their data to the AWS Cloud in order to reduce costs while taking advantage of highly secure, highly durable, and simple cloud based storage services. The cloud services are uniquely positioned to provide scalable cost-efficient solutions for the Governments to find ways cloud services can be employed to meet mandates, reduce costs, drive efficiencies, and increase innovation across its Civilian agencies and the Defense departments.