What is cloud computing?

"What is cloud computing?" is the question that never seems to go away. No matter how much people try, a universally agreed-on definition remains elusive. However, Gartner's definition of cloud computing (put forth in "Five Refining Attributes of Public and Private Cloud Computing") remains the most consistently unchanged and explainable definition we have seen. But what we find to be most confusing for those approaching the subject of cloud computing is not, in fact, the definition. It is, instead, the words people use to describe the phenomenon. To help alleviate this concern, "Using the Right Words Will Ease Cloud Computing Confusion" provides some guidance that can help those discussing cloud computing to develop a consistent framework of understanding. However, a further challenge to a common understanding around the concept of cloud computing comes from the fact that different constituencies view the cloud from different perspectives. "Cloud Computing Constituencies and Inconsistent Perspectives" explores this issue in some detail. At a high level, understanding the relationship of global class and cloud (see "Global Class: The Inspiration for Cloud Computing") is also a good foundation for understanding. "Comparing Cloud Computing and Infrastructure Utility" deals with the differences and synergies between these two concepts.


There are many ways to "slice" into cloud computing. A "horizontal" slicing along the lines of public vs. private and hybrid deployment models is one way. "The Spectrum of Public-to-Private Cloud Computing" takes into account the nuances introduced by the "private cloud" concept. Another way to slice it is "vertically," along the lines of somewhat-traditional layering approaches, but adjusted to meet the realities of the cloud. "Key Attributes Distinguish Cloud Computing Services" and "Cloud Computing Services: A Model for Categorizing and Characterizing Capabilities Delivered From the Cloud" introduce a taxonomy for looking at the various layers of cloud computing. With this research and more (such as "Cloud Computing for Government Is Cloudy"), the "what" of cloud computing becomes more clear.


Read more at: http://www.gartner.com/DisplayDocument?doc_cd=168582&ref=g_sitelink