
Cloud Computing
One of Alibaba's two core businesses, along with e-commerce, with a significant AI element.
First Mentioned
10/9/2025, 4:41:11 AM
Last Updated
10/9/2025, 4:50:39 AM
Research Retrieved
10/9/2025, 4:50:39 AM
Summary
Cloud computing is a model for delivering IT resources over the internet, characterized by a scalable and elastic pool of shared resources that can be provisioned and managed on demand. According to ISO, it is "a paradigm for enabling network access to a scalable and elastic pool of shareable physical or virtual resources with self-service provisioning and administration on-demand." This paradigm involves the delivery of services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence, offering benefits like faster innovation, flexible resources, and scalability. It is a core business focus for Alibaba, alongside e-commerce, and plays a crucial role in the global AI Race by supporting rapid AI adoption, with significant investment from Hyperscalers.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Benefit
Removes need for on-premises IT infrastructure
Delivery Method
On-demand computing resources over the internet
Definition (ISO)
A paradigm for enabling network access to a scalable and elastic pool of shareable physical or virtual resources with self-service provisioning and administration on-demand
Resources Provided
Servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, intelligence
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaCloud computing
Cloud computing is "a paradigm for enabling network access to a scalable and elastic pool of shareable physical or virtual resources with self-service provisioning and administration on-demand," according to ISO. It is commonly referred to as "the cloud".
Web Search Results
- What are the Advantages of Cloud Computing? - Digital Realty
In simple terms, cloud computing is the supply of on-demand computing resources over the internet. Data and software are stored on remote servers, allowing access from anywhere with an internet connection. This removes the need for traditional on-premises IT infrastructure and enables users to benefit from the expertise, capabilities, and flexibility of a cloud service provider. [...] Cloud computing allows users to deploy a range of computing resources over the internet. These resources include servers, storage, and networking options – freeing the user from physical IT infrastructure and enabling the use of cutting-edge technology. Tags Cloud Related resources View all Case studies Geyser Case Study Cloud Multimedia Get the Cloud Under Your Control Cloud [...] Data Centers PlatformDIGITAL® Partners Expertise & Resources About Language Login Data Centers PlatformDIGITAL® Partners Expertise & Resources About Language Article # What are the Advantages of Cloud Computing? Cloud computing is the collective name for the delivery of computing resources across the internet. Businesses using cloud technology benefit from the experience and flexibility of providers, saving time and money while increasing their IT resource options.
- What Is Cloud Computing? | Microsoft Azure
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. You typically pay only for cloud services you use, helping you lower your operating costs, run your infrastructure more efficiently, and scale as your business needs change. Key takeaways ### Types of cloud computing [...] 01/ ### What is the cloud? The cloud is an extensive network of remote servers around the world. These servers store and manage data, run applications, and deliver content and services like streaming videos, web mail, and office productivity software over the internet. Storing your files and data in the cloud frees you from relying on local computers and servers. Instead, you can access your data online from any internet-capable device, whenever and wherever you want. [...] Learn more 03/ ### What skills are required for cloud computing? In general, cloud computing does not require technical IT experience. Cloud computing simply refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet, including storage, databases, software, and analytics. Whether you have a basic understanding of computing concepts and terminology or are a more technical worker, you can apply the on-premises computing knowledge and skills you currently have to the cloud.
- Cloud computing - Wikipedia
Cloud computing is "a paradigm for enabling network access to a scalable and elastic pool of shareable physical or virtual resources with self-service provisioning and administration on-demand," according to ISO.( It is commonly referred to as "the cloud".( Characteristics In 2011, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified five "essential characteristics" for cloud systems.( Below are the exact definitions according to NIST:( [...] Further information: CloudBioLinux The NIST's definition of cloud computing describes IaaS as "where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, and deployed applications; and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls)."( [...] Cloud computing can enable shorter time to market by providing pre-configured tools, scalable resources, and managed services, allowing users to focus on their core business value instead of maintaining infrastructure. Cloud platforms can enable organizations and individuals to reduce upfront capital expenditures on physical infrastructure by shifting to an operational expenditure model, where costs scale with usage. Cloud platforms also offer managed services and tools, such as artificial
- What Is Cloud Computing? | IBM
# What is cloud computing? ## Authors Stephanie Susnjara Staff Writer IBM Think Ian Smalley Staff Editor IBM Think ## What is cloud computing? Cloud computing is on-demand access to computing resources—physical or virtual servers, data storage, networking capabilities, application development tools, software, AI-powered analytic platforms and more—over the internet with pay-per-use pricing. Think Newsletter ### The latest tech news, backed by expert insights [...] Cloud computing enables organizations to use various technologies and the most up-to-date innovations to gain a competitive edge. For instance, in retail, banking and other customer-facing industries, generative AI-powered virtual agents deployed over the cloud can deliver better customer response time and free up teams to focus on higher-level work. In manufacturing, teams can collaborate and use cloud-based software to monitor real-time data across logistics and supply chain processes. [...] Compared to traditional on-premises IT, where a company owns and maintains physical data centers and servers to access computing power, data storage and other resources, cloud computing offers many benefits, including: Cost-effectiveness Increased speed and agility Unlimited scalability Enhanced strategic value Cost-effectiveness
- Top 10 Benefits of Cloud Computing - Oracle
Cloud computing is a greener technology than traditional IT solutions. By moving to the cloud, businesses can reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint by up to 90%. Rather than having in-house servers and software, businesses can use cloud-based services to access the same applications and data from any computer or device with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for businesses to purchase and maintain their own IT infrastructure. [...] Cloud computing is perfect for virtualized computer environments because cloud resources can be allocated instantly to support significant increases in demand so you never experience downtime again. With cloud computing, your business can expand its capabilities almost effortlessly to meet growing demands without increasing staff or capital expenditures. ## Cloud Computing is Greener
Wikidata
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Country
Instance Of
Date Of Birth
4/29/2014
DBPedia
View on DBPediaLocation Data
Engineering and Computing Center, 910, 3rd Avenue South, Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minnesota, 56301, United States
Coordinates: 45.5502931, -94.1510113
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