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Difference between Cloud Computing and Distributed Computing

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025
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1. Cloud Computing : 
Cloud computing refers to providing on demand IT resources/services like server, storage, database, networking, analytics, software etc. over internet. It is a computing technique that delivers hosted services over the internet to its users/customers. Cloud computing provides services such as hardware, software, networking resources through internet. Some characteristics of cloud computing are providing shared pool of configurable computing resources, on-demand service, pay per use, provisioned by the Service Providers etc. 

It is classified into 4 different types such as

  • Public Cloud
  • Private Cloud
  • Community Cloud
  • Hybrid Cloud

2. Distributed Computing : 
Distributed computing refers to solve a problem over distributed autonomous computers and they communicate between them over a network. It is a computing technique which allows to multiple computers to communicate and work to solve a single problem. Distributed computing helps to achieve computational tasks more faster than using a single computer as it takes a lot of time. Some characteristics of distributed computing are distributing a single task among computers to progress the work at same time, Remote Procedure calls and Remote Method Invocation for distributed computations. 

It is classified into 3 different types such as

  • Distributed Computing Systems
  • Distributed Information Systems
  • Distributed Pervasive Systems


Difference between Cloud Computing and Distributed Computing :

S.No.CLOUD COMPUTINGDISTRIBUTED COMPUTING
01.Cloud computing refers to providing on demand IT resources/services like server, storage, database, networking, analytics, software etc. over internet.Distributed computing refers to solve a problem over distributed autonomous computers and they communicate between them over a network.
02.In simple cloud computing can be said as a computing technique that delivers hosted services over the internet to its users/customers.In simple distributed computing can be said as a computing technique which allows to multiple computers to communicate and work to solve a single problem.
03.It is classified into 4 different types such as Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Community Cloud and Hybrid Cloud.It is classified into 3 different types such as Distributed Computing Systems, Distributed Information Systems and Distributed Pervasive Systems.
04.There are many benefits of cloud computing like cost effective, elasticity and reliable, economies of Scale, access to the global market etc.There are many benefits of distributed computing like flexibility, reliability, improved performance etc.
05.Cloud computing provides services such as hardware, software, networking resources through internet.Distributed computing helps to achieve computational tasks more faster than using a single computer as it takes a lot of time.
06.The goal of cloud computing is to provide on demand computing services over internet on pay per use model.The goal of distributed computing is to distribute a single task among multiple computers and to solve it quickly by maintaining coordination between them.
07.Some characteristics of cloud computing are providing shared pool of configurable computing resources, on-demand service, pay per use, provisioned by the Service Providers etc.Some characteristics of distributed computing are distributing a single task among computers to progress the work at same time, Remote Procedure calls and Remote Method Invocation for distributed computations.
08.Some disadvantage of cloud computing includes less control especially in the case of public clouds, restrictions on available services may be faced and cloud security.Some disadvantage of distributed computing includes chances of failure of nodes, slow network may create problem in communication.

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