Introduction to Cloud Computing
When you store your photos online instead of on your home computer, or use
webmail or a social networking site, you are using a “cloud computing” service. If
you are an organization, and you want to use, for example, an online invoicing
service instead of updating the in-house one you have been using for many years,
that online invoicing service is a “cloud computing” service.
Cloud computing refers to the
delivery of computing resources over
the Internet. Instead of keeping data
on your own hard drive or updating
applications for your needs, you use a
service over the Internet, at another
location, to store your information or
use its applications. Doing so may
give rise to certain privacy
implications.
For that reason the Office of the
Privacy Commissioner of Canada
(OPC) has prepared some responses
to Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs). We have also developed a
Fact Sheet that provides detailed
information on cloud computing and
the privacy challenges it presents.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the Internet. Cloud
services allow individuals and businesses to use software and hardware that are
managed by third parties at remote locations. Examples of cloud services include
online file storage, social networking sites, webmail, and online business
applications. The cloud computing model allows access to information and computer
resources from anywhere that a network connection is available. Cloud computing
provides a shared pool of resources, including data storage space, networks,
computer processing power, and specialized corporate and user applications.