Cloud computing1. Definition of Cloud ComputingCloud computing is defined as the use of computer programs and applications to access information and storage that is not stored locally on a computer's hard drive, but rather over the Internet. Cloud computing has five defining characteristics. Cloud computing allows users to have virtually no interaction with the service provider. For example, when we use Google Drive, a web application similar to Microsoft Office, we can do so without ever having to contact the service provider, Google. The second characteristic of cloud computing is the pooling of resources. A computer company such as Google may own a powerful computer such as a mainframe or a cluster thereof and "rent" processing power and/or storage space to people or companies who do not may not have the infrastructure or may need to supplement their existing infrastructure. These clients can use the storage space to store files when their own hard drives are full or use it as a server to run programs. In cloud computing, customers can "rent" resources on a computer company's mainframe. Sometimes the customer "renting" space from the service provider may request more resources, such as faster response, more memory, RAM or storage space. In such cases, the service provider can quickly and easily allocate the necessary resources to the customer who needs them. The fourth characteristic of cloud computing is broad network access. Applications available through cloud services are accessible through a variety of devices and locations, allowing users to access applications through different types of storage, not limited to the local hard drive. Additionally, through cloud computing, users can access applications...... middle of paper ......Binning, David. “Top Five Cloud Computing Security Issues.” Top five cloud computing security concerns. Computer Weekly, April 24, 2009. Web. April 4, 2014. “Google Cloud Security.” Google cloud security. Site-Sec, April 4, 2014. Web. April 4, 2014. .Apple Inc. “iCloud”. Apple - iCloud - Your content. On all your devices. Apple, 2014. Web. April 8, 2014. .Google. “Products on Google Cloud – Google Cloud Platform.” Products on Google Cloud – Google Cloud Platform. Google and the Web. April 9, 2014. .IBM. “B2B Cloud Services”. IBM-. IBM and Web. April 9. 2014. .