When considering the future of the information age, many experts agree that the cloud, in this case, is not a bad thing and indeed the future looks bright. Computing, as we currently know it, is predominantly defined by client to server relationship, where for example a number of client terminals, or personal computers, are connected and reliant upon a server for local area network communications and sharing of data but not reliant on that server for individual software and, or application needs. The personal computers in this case are the clients and the server simply serves as the center for interlinking and sharing of multiple resources and data between each client. The server is also generally physically located in the same place as the clients.

Cloud computing is an evolutionary step from the client-server relationship to one where, though servers are still involved as the central node for interconnecting multiple users, the servers are 1) no longer physically located in the same space or building as the clients or users 2) do more than interconnect and facilitates sharing of data and resources but also store the software or applications used by each client or user and 3) are third-party owned and operated, where the clients, or users in this case, pay to access the server on either a utility basis (charge for resources consumed) or a subscription basis (fee for a predetermined amount of time of access).

The users in the case of cloud computing are also an important aspect to note in comparison to the client-server relationship. Users in the case of cloud computing are not limited to personal computers or desktops – users can be any device with connectivity and interface capabilities that allow it to communicate with the server where the desired application or data is stored. These devices include PCs, tablets, mobile phones, PDAs and more.