
That means you can take advantage of a variety of programs and services without having to continually invest in the fastest computers. In most cloud computing applications, this client-side program places minimal demands on your machine's resources. Your computer only has to run a Web browser or simple user interface. Why would you want to use a cloud computing system? One reason is that it lets you access applications your own computer might not be able to execute. Now, let's take a look at exactly what cloud computing means. Not only must the company search and index the world's information on the Web but it also has to provide the power for a growing network of cloud computing services. These huge facilities are necessary for Google to carry out its corporate mission. It's also in an area with a fiber-optic network, which allows for lightning-fast data transmissions. The location has many features that make it attractive for a data center: It's near hydroelectric dams, which makes power accessible and economical. Each building in this data center is about the size of a football field. In The Dalles, Ore., Google has a data center built next to the Columbia River.

Google also has a reputation for building enormous data centers. If you are running a company that wants to offer a Web site or service to customers, you may consider using a company like Amazon to host your data. It means the company rents out storage space within its massive data centers. That doesn't mean Amazon has a warehouse filled with fluffy, white clouds. Amazon, the online retail giant, has a thriving cloud storage business. Companies like Apple and Microsoft offer products that either directly involve cloud computing services or rely on them in some way.

Google isn't alone in offering cloud computing services.
