The word cloud is used as a metaphor for the Internet, based on the standardized use of a cloud-like shape to denote a network on telephony schematics and later to depict the Internet in computer network diagrams as an abstraction of the underlying infrastructure it represents.

What cloud computing offers:

• Achieve economies of scale. Increase volume output or productivity with fewer people. Your cost per unit, project or product plummets.
• Reduce spending on technology infrastructure. Maintain easy access to your information with minimal upfront spending. Pay as you go (weekly, quarterly or yearly), based on demand.
• Globalize your workforce on the cheap. People worldwide can access the cloud, provided they have an Internet connection.
• Streamline processes. Get more work done in less time with fewer people.
• Reduce capital costs. There’s no need to spend big money on hardware, software or licensing fees.
• Improve accessibility. You have access anytime, anywhere, making your life so much easier!
• Monitor projects more effectively. Stay within budget and ahead of completion cycle times.
• Less personnel training is needed. It takes fewer people to do more work on a cloud, with a minimal learning curve on hardware and software issues.
• Minimize licensing new software. Stretch and grow without the need to buy expensive software licenses or programs.
• Improve flexibility. You can change direction without serious “people” or “financial” issues at stake.