1. Different Needs for Development vs. Production

Development: When you’re creating and testing software, you don’t need to worry as much about things like high-level security. The main focus is to make sure the software works correctly and to fix any issues.

Production:When the software is live and used by real people, it needs to be secure, stable, and reliable.

2. Why Cloud is Useful for Development

Changing Needs: Development projects often need different types of servers and setups, which can quickly become unnecessary or outdated once the project is done.

Virtual Servers: In the cloud, you can easily create and remove virtual servers as needed. This means you can quickly adjust to the needs of different projects without spending a lot of money on physical servers.

Speed and Flexibility: Cloud services can quickly set up and take down development environments. This helps you start new projects faster and be more flexible with your resources.

3. Testing Software with Cloud

High-Performance Testing: It’s important to test software under conditions that are similar to how it will be used once it's live. For example, you might need powerful servers for this kind of testing.

Cloud’s Advantage: Buying and maintaining powerful servers for occasional tests is expensive. With cloud services, you can use these powerful servers only when you need them and then release them when the test is done, saving money.

4. Supporting Teams Around the World

Central Access: Cloud services let teams from different parts of the world access the same development tools and servers. This helps everyone work on the same platform, no matter where they are located.

Fairness: By using the cloud, no part of the team is at a disadvantage because of their location. This helps improve teamwork and collaboration.

5. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

Simplified Tools: PaaS platforms, like Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure, provide tools that help you build software without having to manage the servers or worry about scaling (i.e., handling more users).

Productivity Boost: Because these platforms handle the technical details of scaling and server management for you, it can make developing large, complex projects much faster and more efficient.

6. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Platforms

Easy Development: Some cloud platforms, like Salesforce’s APEX (now Force.com), allow you to build applications with minimal coding. They provide ready-made tools for specific types of applications, like business apps.

Limited Flexibility: These platforms are great for certain types of software, but they are not as flexible as PaaS platforms that let you write more customized code.

Summary

In simple terms, cloud services make it easier and cheaper to develop and test software. They allow you to quickly set up and tear down environments, handle large-scale testing affordably, and support teams working from anywhere. Using cloud-based tools can also make development faster and more efficient, especially for large projects or specific types of applications.