Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, like servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics, over the internet, on demand. Instead of owning and managing physical infrastructure, you access these resources from a cloud provider and pay based on usage.
How Cloud Computing Works
Cloud providers run large data centers filled with servers and other infrastructure. They virtualise this hardware and offer it as services that can be accessed over the internet. You can provision computing power, storage, and applications in minutes, scale them up or down, and stop paying when you no longer need them.
Cloud services are delivered through three main models:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): access to virtual servers, storage, and networks
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): tools to build and deploy applications
- Software as a Service (SaaS): ready-to-use applications like email, CRM, or ERP
You can deploy cloud in different ways: public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud, depending on your needs.
Why It Matters
Cloud computing removes the need to buy and maintain hardware, reduces time to deployment, and enables scalability without upfront capital. It allows teams to innovate faster, use resources more efficiently, and work from anywhere.
Cloud also supports modern technologies like AI, big data, and IoT, which need high-performance compute and flexible storage.
Cloud Adoption in India
Indian enterprises are moving to the cloud to modernize legacy infrastructure, support hybrid work, and meet regulatory requirements. Sectors like BFSI, manufacturing, IT services, and healthcare are deploying cloud to run core systems, improve disaster recovery, and launch digital services. Government initiatives and cloud regions set up by major providers are also accelerating local adoption.
What You Should Know
Moving to the cloud is not just a technical decision. It requires planning around architecture, security, cost, and compliance. Proactive works with enterprises to design, migrate, and manage cloud environments that meet business and operational goals, whether you're going public, private, or hybrid.
