The document discusses cloud computing, which is a pay-per-use model for on-demand access to configurable computing resources over the internet. Some key characteristics of cloud computing include on-demand self-service, ubiquitous network access, location-independent resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and pay per use. It also lists several as-a-service models (e.g. storage-as-a-service, database-as-a-service) and discusses benefits for businesses like cost savings, flexibility, and speed as well as considerations around security, control, and compliance.