A cloud delivers software as a service over the Internet, eliminating the need to install and run the application on the customer's own computers and simplifying maintenance and support.

The two most significant components of cloud computing architecture are known as the front end and the back end. The front end is the part seen by the client, i.e. the computer user. This includes the client’s network (or computer) and the applications used to access the cloud via a user interface such as a web browser. The back end of the cloud computing architecture is the ‘cloud’ itself, comprising various computers, servers and data storage devices.A key element of cloud computing is customization and the creation of a user-defined experience.