Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the internet, enabling users to access and use software, storage, and processing power without the need for on-premises infrastructure. Its fundamental principles revolve around flexibility, scalability, and the pay-as-you-go model. Flexibility allows clients to deploy resources according to their current needs, adapting quickly to fluctuations in demand. Scalability ensures that as a business grows, its cloud resources can expand accordingly, accommodating larger workloads while optimizing costs. The pay-as-you-go model means businesses only pay for the resources they consume, making budgeting simpler and more efficient. This shift from traditional, localized computing to cloud-based solutions is not just a technological leap; it reflects a significant change in how organizations view IT resources and operational efficiency.