Explaining cloud computing can sometimes get confusing. consider definition on Wikipedia:

Cloud computing refers to the use and access of multiple server-based computational resources via a digital network, Internet connection using the World Wide Web, etc.). Cloud users may access the server resources using a computer, net book, tablet computer, smart phone, or other device. In cloud computing, applications are provided and managed by the cloud server and data is also stored remotely in the cloud configuration. Users do not download and install applications on their own device or computer; all processing and storage is maintained by the cloud server. The on-line services may be offered from a cloud provider or by a private organization

No wonder, The page (As on 7th July 2011) says that “the article has multiple issues” / “the article needs cleanup”. Don’t get me wrong here – I am in Love with Wikipedia (not blind love) but it’s just the definition of cloud computing looks like a college kid babbling about a topic in round-about fashion. Sorry.

And Then there were this super simple definition that said: “cloud computing is nothing but a Internet computing………” That’s it. Duh?! Am I a kid.

Okay, Now let’s get little geeky – Here is the ultra sophisticated definition from NIST

Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

Perfect. made more sense to me. But not something that I would explain it to someone who does not know what cloud is. Am I suppose to babble above definition? To some geek/professor, yes. But in a real world day-to-day conversation, this would not help score brownie points. Not a chance unless you are in some Geek paradise.

Don’t get me wrong here – All the above definition’s are correct – but I was searching for a way to explain it in simpler terms. And if I babble these ultra long sentences (Thanks to some deceptive use of English Conjunctions) that defined cloud computing, I was surely going to freak out someone or Alternatively, make the listener think that I was an Einstein (which BTW I am not because I have to resort to spelling correction tool for typing Eisetntein – sorry Einstein); But the bottom-line is there is chance that listener has still not grasped the concept of cloud computing. And If by any chance, he/she miraculously grasps it, then ask them to check out www.mensa.org – the society for intellectuals!

Anyways, here’s how to explain in simple statement about what is cloud? – I found a YouTube video where the speaker Dave Nielsen defined cloud computing as OSSM (pronounced Awesome) and it helps me define cloud in single statement now. This is an urban dictionary format to define cloud!

Just Remember

O : On Demand

S : Scalable

S : Shared

M : Measurable

So confluence of above topics is what really shapes cloud computing.

Now, With “OSSM” + Wikipedia definition + NIST definition – I hope you are better able to explain what cloud computing is all about to anyone and everyone!