What is Cloud Computing? Cloud Computing is an oft-heard term these days. What does it mean? In simple words, it means storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer's hard drive. The computing power of a network of computers located elsewhere and owned by third-parties, and their software, is provided to you as a service. The 'Cloud' basically refers to a group of connected machines with storage drives and processors that becomes an extension of your local computer. While it is most frequently mentioned in context of data storage, cloud computing also allows you to access content and services, run applications, or develop software using web-based tools provided by other companies. Companies offering these services are called cloud providers, and typically charge users based on usage, much like utility companies. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines Cloud Computing as below: "Cloud computing is