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Cloud computing helps companies of any size get access to useful computing resources that are made available in public or private data centers. These resources are very elastic, so they can grow whenever the client needs more CPU power, bandwidth, storage space, and so on. Since most cloud providers utilize the pay-per-usage model, businesses will only pay for the resources that they are using. In a recently released white paper, Data Alliance notes that almost 50% of businesses move to the cloud because it helps them reduce operational costs.

The key cloud computing services are Software as a service (SaaS), Platform as a service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a service (IaaS).

Software as a service (SaaS) is, at a basic level, a software application that runs in the cloud. Access to it is offered in a browser, usually for a monthly fee. People can access SaaS applications no matter where they are located, and the type of device that they are using for access isn't crucial. More than this, the data is safely stored in the cloud at all times. According to Better Cloud, the cloud shift rate through 2020 for SaaS is 3x faster than PaaS.

Platform as a service (PaaS) is used by developers to rapidly create complex applications without needing complex hardware and software. Often times, companies appreciate PaaS services because they reduce costs. This website lists the top 35 PaaS providers.

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) helps businesses get access to a large variety of computing resources: web servers, storage space, and even data center space. This way, small businesses don't need to invest their money into expensive hardware, and they can easily scale up or down, depending on their particular needs and business seasonality. According to Statista, IaaS hardware and software spending will reach 77bn USD in 2017.