Cloud computing is no more a “wild west”. Their seems to be a consensus on what cloud is – And more importantly what cloud is NOT. So what’s the widely accepted definition of cloud computing? Well, It’s the NIST definition of cloud computing.
It has three pieces to it, Here they are:
- Characteristics of a CLOUD
- Delivery (/Consumption/Service) Model of CLOUD
- Deployment Model for cloud
Please search for “NIST Definition of Cloud Computing” and you’ll get to a (latest version/draft) short PDF that is worth reading – takes just 10 odd minutes but super helpful!
For your convenience (and Mine) – Here’s a visualization of the “data” that’s in the NIST’s definition document:
NIST's Widely accepted definition of CLOUD COMPUTING
If you want fun way to remember the definition, please go to: Cloud Computing is AWESOME (OSSM) :: Defining Cloud Computing the Urban Dictionary style! (It’s goal is to help you remember the characteristics of cloud, and i make fun of NIST’s definition – not because it’s not great but it seems academic which may not be the best way to explain cloud to non-technical or business person. So a fun way to remember cloud helps you have a sophisticated discussion with someone who is not completely familiar with cloud. Hope that blog posts is of help too)
And That’s about it for this post. Your feedback is welcome!
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