What is the cloud? How does the cloud work? What does it mean when something is 'in the cloud'? And why is it called 'the cloud' anyway?

When you hear about the cloud, do you get a little anxious because you don't know what the cloud is? Do you feel like technology is passing you by? Do you feel like the future is leaving you behind and you'll never catch up?

Have you ever wondered what Amazon Web Services (AWS) is? Have you wondered how Netflix, Facebook Messenger, Amazon Kindle, Apple iCloud, Google Maps, or the Nest Thermostat work?

We hear about the cloud all the time these days. And I mean all the time. Every day there's a new cloud-based dating app; a new cloud-based gizmo for your house; a new cloud-based game; or a thousand other new things--all in the cloud.

The cloud is everywhere Everything is in the cloud What does it mean

Let's slow down. Take a deep breath. That's good. Take another. Excellent. This book teaches you all about the cloud.

I'll let you in on a little secret: the cloud is not that hard to understand. It's not. It's just that nobody has taken the time to explain to you what the cloud is. They haven't, have they?

Deep down I think this is because they don't understand the cloud either, but I do. I've been a programmer and writer for over 30 years. I've been in cloud computing since the very start, and I'm here to help you on your journey to understand the cloud. Consider me your tour guide. I'll be with you every step of the way, but not in a creepy way.

I take my time with this book. I go slow and easy, so you can build up an intuition about what the cloud really is, one idea at a time.

When you finish reading, you'll understand the cloud. When you hear someone say some new cool thing is in the cloud, you'll understand exactly what they mean. That's a promise.

How do I deliver on that promise? I use lots and lots of pictures. I use lots and lots of examples. We'll reveal the secret inner-workings of AWS, Netflix, Facebook Messenger, Amazon Kindle, Apple iCloud, Google Maps, Nest and cloud DVRs.

You'll learn by seeing and understanding; no matter if you're a complete beginner, someone who knows a little and wants to learn more, or a programmer looking to change their career to the cloud.

The cloud is the future. You don't want to miss out on the future, do you? Read this book and we'll discover it together.

I'm excited. This will be fun. Let's get started