Through cloud computing, computing resources are delivered over the internet (the cloud), including storage, processing power, databases, networking, analytics, artificial intelligence, and software applications. Companies can benefit from outsourcing these resources by being able to access computational assets when they need them without having to invest in and maintain a physical, on-premise IT infrastructure. As a result, flexibility is provided, innovation is accelerated, and economies of scale are gained. Data and IT modernization are directly linked to cloud migration for many companies.

As a computing service delivered over the internet, cloud computing offers numerous advantages including cost savings, scalability, high performance, economies of scale, and more. Many businesses consider cloud migration to be an integral part of their data and IT modernization initiatives. 

Initially, the cloud phrase had a esoteric ring when it was used in the early 2000s. The idea of accessing computing resources from a location other than an on-premises IT infrastructure (the sky?) sounded like science fiction. However, the reality was much more profound, and technology and business forever changed.