Cloud computing refers to resource sharing and information processing services realized through network technology. "Cloud" refers to the Internet, so cloud computing is a new technology model that uses Internet technology for resource sharing, data storage and information processing. The emergence of cloud computing greatly improves the utilization and flexibility of computing resources, reduces the IT operating costs of enterprises and individuals, and adds new vitality to the development of information technology industry.

The characteristics of cloud computing are: resource sharing, high reliability and flexibility. Resource sharing means that computing resources, storage resources and network resources on the cloud platform can be shared by multiple users to avoid resource waste and unnecessary repeated investment; High reliability means that data storage and application processing on the cloud platform have high reliability and flexibility, and users can reduce the probability of errors and the risk of data loss; Flexible expansion means that users can flexibly expand resources according to business needs without investing and upgrading resources too early.

Cloud computing has been widely used in various industries. In the enterprise field, cloud computing can help enterprises achieve flexible computing, improve service capabilities and flexibility, and reduce IT operating costs and security risks; In the field of education, cloud computing can provide students with powerful learning resources and online learning services, while reducing the IT operating costs of schools; In the medical field, cloud computing can help medical institutions to share and coordinate medical resources and improve the quality and efficiency of medical services.