In the context of computing, cloud refers to a network of remote servers that provide various computing services over the internet. Cloud computing has become popular due to its ability to offer flexible and cost-effective IT resources to individuals and businesses.

Some key characteristics of cloud computing include:

On-demand self-service: Users can provision computing resources such as processing power, storage, and network bandwidth on an as-needed basis, without requiring the intervention of an IT administrator.

Broad network access: Cloud computing services can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Resource pooling: Cloud computing resources are shared among multiple users, allowing for greater efficiency and utilization of resources.

Rapid elasticity: Cloud computing resources can be scaled up or down quickly to meet changing demand, enabling organizations to adjust their computing resources in response to changes in workload or traffic.

Measured service: Cloud computing services are typically metered and charged based on usage, allowing users to pay only for the resources they use.

Cloud computing is used for a variety of purposes, including data storage, application development and deployment, data analysis, and artificial intelligence/machine learning. Some examples of cloud computing providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.