This document provides an overview of cloud computing, defining it as the delivery of computing services via the internet that enables on-demand access to storage, processing power, and applications. It outlines various characteristics, deployment models (public, private, hybrid, community), and service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), highlighting benefits such as cost savings, scalability, and flexibility. Additionally, it emphasizes best practices for cloud architecture, including security, disaster recovery, and resource optimization.