Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #184

A. Cloud computing is a model for delivering computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet ("the cloud"). Instead of owning and maintaining their own computing infrastructure, organisations and individuals can access these services from a cloud provider, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, and pay for them on a usage basis. This represents a fundamental shift from the traditional on-premise IT model.

B. There are three main service models in cloud computing. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides the basic building blocks of computing infrastructure, such as virtual servers and storage. Platform as a Service (PaaS) gives developers the tools and environment to build and deploy applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. Software as a Service (SaaS) is the most common model, where software is delivered over the internet on a subscription basis, such as email services or office productivity suites.

C. The adoption of cloud computing offers numerous benefits. It provides massive scalability, allowing businesses to easily increase or decrease their computing resources as their needs change. It can significantly reduce costs by eliminating the need for large upfront investments in hardware and the ongoing expense of maintaining it. The cloud also enhances collaboration and flexibility, allowing employees to access data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection.

D. Despite its advantages, cloud computing also presents challenges. Security and data privacy are major concerns, as sensitive information is being stored on third-party servers. Businesses must trust their cloud provider to protect their data and comply with relevant regulations. There is also the risk of "vendor lock-in," where it becomes difficult and costly to move from one cloud provider to another. Nevertheless, cloud computing has become the dominant paradigm in IT, powering a vast range of services that are integral to modern business and daily life.