Basic Concepts¶
Fundamental cloud computing definitions, benefits, and types based on references from cloud providers and industry standards.
Essential¶
| Source | Definition (Summary) | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Web Services | On-demand delivery of IT resources over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. | Overview of cloud computing concepts, benefits, and service models from AWS. | What is cloud computing? |
| Google Cloud Platform | Access to computing resources delivered via the internet to build and scale applications. | Explanation of cloud computing types, deployment models, and common use cases. | What is cloud computing? |
| Linux Foundation | A computing model based on shared, scalable infrastructure and open standards. | Perspective on cloud computing from an open-source and industry-neutral viewpoint. | Perspectives in Cloud Computing |
| NIST | A model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. | Formal and widely cited definition and service/deployment models. | The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing (SP 800-145) |
Definitions by Notable Figures¶
Definitions of cloud computing from authors and researchers frequently cited in industry literature and academic references.
| Author | Definition | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Mell & Timothy Grance (NIST) | “Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources.” | The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing |
| Werner Vogels (Amazon CTO) | “Cloud computing is massively scalable IT provided over the internet as on-demand services, where customers pay for what they use and services are accessed by many individuals and organizations.” | Seattle Business Magazine: Amazon’s Cloud Evangelist |
| Rajkumar Buyya et al. | “Cloud computing is a parallel and distributed computing system consisting of a collection of interconnected and virtualized computers.” | Mastering Cloud Computing: Foundations and Applications Programming |
Core Concepts¶
The service models and deployment models below are based on the NIST definition of cloud computing (SP 800-145).
Service Models¶
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) - Virtual machines, storage, and networking resources
- PaaS (Platform as a Service) - Managed platforms for application development and deployment
- SaaS (Software as a Service) - Fully managed applications delivered over the internet
Deployment Models¶
- Public Cloud - Cloud services delivered over the public internet
- Private Cloud - Cloud infrastructure dedicated to a single organization
- Hybrid Cloud - Combination of public and private cloud environments
- Multi-Cloud - Use of services from multiple cloud providers
- Community Cloud - Cloud infrastructure shared by several organizations with common concerns\
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