Cloud Computing Explained

In cloud computing, the word “cloud” (also phrased as “the cloud”) is used as a metaphor for “the Internet,” so the phrase cloud computing means a type of Internet-based computing, where different services (such as servers, storage and applications) are delivered to an organization’s computers and devices through the Internet.

Cloud computing is an on-demand service that is obtaining mass appeal in corporate data centers. The cloud enables the data center to operate like the Internet and computing resources to be accessed and shared as virtual resources in a secure and scalable manner.

In its most simple description, cloud computing is taking services (“cloud services”) and moving them outside an organizations firewall on shared systems. Applications and services are accessed via the Web, instead of your hard drive. In cloud computing, the services that are delivered and used over the Internet are paid for by cloud customers — typically on an “as-needed, pay-per-use” business model. The cloud infrastructure is also maintained by the cloud provider, not the individual cloud customers.

Cloud computing networks are large groups of servers and Cloud service providers usually take advantage of low-cost consumer PC technology, with specialized connections to spread data-processing chores across them. This shared IT infrastructure contains large pools of systems that are linked together. Often, virtualization techniques are used to maximize the power of cloud computing. Currently, the standards for connecting the computer systems and the software needed to make cloud computing work are not fully defined at present time, leaving many companies to define their own cloud computing technologies.
Public Cloud Versus Private Cloud Explained

Cloud computing denotes a cloud computing platform that is outside of an organizations’ firewall on shared systems. In this scenario, your cloud provider is in control of the infrastructure. In contrast, a private cloud is the same platform; however it is implemented within the corporate firewall, under the control of the organization’s IT department.

A private cloud is designed to offer the same features and benefits of cloud systems, but removes a number of objections to the cloud computing model including control over enterprise and customer data, worries about security, and issues connected to regulatory compliance.
Other Meanings of the Phrase ‘Cloud Computing’

There are many people out there who believe the term cloud computing is just another buzzword that is used to describe too many technologies, making it confusing to many. The term Cloud computing has been used to mean grid computing, utility computing, software as a service, Internet-based applications, autonomic computing, peer-to-peer computing and remote processing. When most people use the term, they may have one of these ideas in mind, but the listener might be thinking about something else.
Cloud Computing Defined: A Dictionary of Cloud Terms
Cloud App

Short for cloud application, cloud app is the phrase used to describe a software application that is never installed on a local computer. Instead, it is accessed via the Internet. (Read the full definition)
Cloud Computing

A type of computing, comparable to grid computing that relies on sharing computing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to handle applications. The goal of cloud computing is to apply traditional supercomputing, or high-performance computing power, normally used by military and research facilities, to perform tens of trillions of computations per second, in consumer-oriented applications such as financial portfolios or even to deliver personalized information, or power immersive computer games. (Read the full definition)
Cloud Enablement

The process of making available one or more of the following services and infrastructures to create a public cloud computing environment:
Cloud Management

Software and technologies designed for operating and monitoring the applications, data and services residing in the cloud. Cloud management tools help ensure a company’s cloud computing-based resources are working optimally and properly interacting with users and other services. (Read the full definition)
Cloud Migration

The process of transitioning all or part of a company’s data, applications and services from on-site premises behind the firewall to the cloud, where the information can be provided over the Internet on an on-demand basis. (Read the full definition)
Cloud OS

A phrase frequently used in place of Platform as a Service (PaaS) to denote an association to cloud computing.
Cloud Provider

A service provider who offers customers storage or software solutions available via a public network, usually the Internet. (Read the full definition)
Cloud Provisioning

The deployment of a company’s cloud computing strategy, which typically first involves selecting which applications and services will reside in the public cloud and which will remain on site behind the firewall or in the private cloud. Cloud provisioning also entails developing the processes for interfacing with the cloud’s applications and services as well as auditing and monitoring who accesses and utilizes the resources. (Read the full definition)

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