Abstract: “Cloud computing is the latest technology used for implementing business applications. Instead of running your apps yourself, they run on a shared data center. Cloud computing is Internet based computing where virtual shared servers provide software, infrastructure, platform, devices and other resources and hosting to customers on a pay-as-you-use basis. Cloud-based apps can be up and running in days or weeks, and they cost less. It's not just a fad—the shift from traditional software models to the Internet has steadily gained momentum over the last 10 years. However, corporate executives might hesitate to take advantage of a cloud computing system because they can't keep their company's information under lock and key. Cloud computing customers do not own the physical infrastructure, rather they rent the usage from a third-party provider. Many enterprises look at cloud computing warily due to projected security risks. The risks of compromised security and privacy may be lower overall wi”

Keywords: Cloud computing, services, characteristics, security, risk management, applications, trends, future scope