Cloud (service): Difference between revisions
Integrate a slightly misplaced FSF reference into a more extensive exploration of the meaning of the word |
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In consumer technology, a '''cloud service''' typically refers to a data processing service provided by a service provider (often product manufacturer), often for a periodic fee. Typical examples of such services include data storage, off-device data processing, easy access to an internet-connected device from anywhere with an internet connection and synchronization between devices. | In consumer technology, a '''cloud service''' typically refers to a data processing service provided by a service provider (often product manufacturer), often for a periodic fee. Typical examples of such services include data storage, off-device data processing, easy access to an internet-connected device from anywhere with an internet connection and synchronization between devices. | ||
== Origin of the term == | ==Origin of the term== | ||
The term "cloud services" borrows from a term [[wikipedia:Cloud_computing|cloud computing]], which is vague to the point that FSF recommends avoiding it,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-17 |title=Words to Avoid (or Use with Care) Because They Are Loaded or Confusing § “Cloud Computing” |url=https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#CloudComputing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250310165359/https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid#CloudComputing |archive-date=2025-03-10 |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=GNU Project - Free Software Foundation}}</ref> and in context of consumer technology the term inherits its vagueness. A typical defining feature of a cloud service is lack of information about the infrastructure that processes the data. It's true in cloud computing as well, but referring to the perspective of a service provider and a party that supplies them with computing infrastructure. | The term "cloud services" borrows from a term [[wikipedia:Cloud_computing|cloud computing]], which is vague to the point that FSF recommends avoiding it,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-17 |title=Words to Avoid (or Use with Care) Because They Are Loaded or Confusing § “Cloud Computing” |url=https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#CloudComputing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250310165359/https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid#CloudComputing |archive-date=2025-03-10 |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=GNU Project - Free Software Foundation}}</ref> and in context of consumer technology the term inherits its vagueness. A typical defining feature of a cloud service is lack of information about the infrastructure that processes the data. It's true in cloud computing as well, but referring to the perspective of a service provider and a party that supplies them with computing infrastructure. | ||
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==Examples== | ==Examples== | ||
*File synchronization services like [[wikipedia:Dropbox|Dropbox]], [[wikipedia:Google_drive|Google Drive]], [[OneDrive]], [[ | *File synchronization services like [[wikipedia:Dropbox|Dropbox]], [[wikipedia:Google_drive|Google Drive]], [[OneDrive]], [[iCloud]], [[Mega.io cloud storage service|Mega]]. | ||
*Remote device access, as in [[Wyze|Wyze cameras]] and [[Bosch Cloud Dishwasher Incident|select Bosch dishwashers]]. | *Remote device access, as in [[Wyze|Wyze cameras]] and [[Bosch Cloud Dishwasher Incident|select Bosch dishwashers]]. | ||
*[[Software as a service]] online applications, like Google Workspace, [[Microsoft Office 365]], [[Adobe creative cloud]], [[Games as a service]]. | *[[Software as a service]] online applications, like Google Workspace, [[Microsoft Office 365]], [[Adobe creative cloud]], [[Games as a service]]. | ||