What’s the difference between distributed computing and cloud computing?

Let’s start with defining what these two terms mean exactly. The difference will start becoming apparent from the definitions itself.

Cloud computing is a system where different things like software applications, infrastructure resources, or development tools are provided to the user via the Internet. Traditionally, if a user wanted to run a software application, it was mandatory for them to make sure that they fulfill all the extensive software and hardware requirements that are necessary for running that single application.
But, with cloud, that’s not the case anymore since the application can be accessed simply through an Internet connection. The user no longer has to worry about any software or hardware installation on their personal system to avail the application.

It’s not only software applications that can be accessed over the Internet, but many other things too like databases, servers, software development resources, data centers, etc. In fact, cloud offerings are of three types, software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and platform as a service (PaaS).

Next, let’s define distributed computing. This is a kind of system where a single software system has components distributed across a number of computers, but they all execute as a consolidated system. These distributed components of the software are connected with each other through a network. Therefore, the computers over which the software components are spread across will have a way for communicating with each other and ensuring that there is synchronization between the software components. Depending on whether the computers are located nearby in same location or away from each other in different locations, the network connecting the computers could be a local area network or a wide area network. Distributed computing systems can be of three kinds: distributed computing systems, distributed pervasive systems, and distributed information systems.

Now, that we understand the definitions of distributed computing and cloud computing, hopefully the distinction between these two computing models has become clearer already. While cloud computing refers to the delivery of necessary resources via the Internet, distributed computing refers to sharing of resources between the systems via a connecting network. Each of these computing models has unique set of benefits to offer.

Scalability is one of the most prominent advantages of cloud computing solutions. Depending upon increasing or decreasing resource demands, it is possible to get access to more or less software, storage, network, and other computing resources over the Internet.

Cost-efficiency and simplicity are some other advantages of this model.

Distributed computing too offers scalability, in the sense that you can add or remove computer systems in the network depending on the current requirements. Distributed software applications also ensure better performance and resilience.