What Is the Definition of Cloud Computing and What Are the Features and Benefits?

Cloud Computing may be defined as the remote connection of devices across the Internet to hosted servers that store, manage, and process data in "the cloud." "The cloud" is used as a metaphor for the Internet because the Internet is a network that allows any device with a public Internet Protocol (IP) address to connect to any other device with a public IP address "out there in 'the cloud' of Internet-connected devices."

Before the Internet, Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model layer 2 connections between devices on closed Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Networks (WANs) were depicted with lines that remained constant in the network diagram. Dynamic network connections that change as users surf the Internet, did not exist until layer 3 IP routing emerged.

The virtual connectivity of IP routing over the Internet presents a documentation problem for network engineers because dynamic IP stack layer 3 connections are virtual at layer 3 instead of static at layer 2 in the OSI model. With users surfing the web at the same time, it is impossible to diagram the layer 3 IP connections among each Internet-connected device as the virtual connections change as users surf. So, instead of blacking out network diagrams with lines to depict billions of potential Internet connections that constantly change, "the cloud" represents the haze of virtual Internet connections that frequently change.

NIST Definition of Cloud Computing

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (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."

NIST Characteristics of Cloud Computing

According to the NIST, the characteristics of cloud computing include (1) on-demand self-service, (2) resource pooling, (3) rapid elasticity, (4) measured service, (5) broadband network access, (6) scale, and (7) velocity.

Cloud Computing Service Models

1. Software as a Service (SaaS) delivers applications through a web browser interface that is accessible over the Internet World Wide Web.

2. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) outsources the equipment required by subscribers to support business operations such as storage, hardware, servers and other networking components. The equipment is owned by the service provider who is responsible for the hosting cost while the client pays on a usage basis.

3. Platform as a Service (PaaS) offers a hosted development environment that is accessed over the Internet.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

The primary benefits of cloud computing to subscribers are cost savings, flexibility, ease of access, and immediate access. The service platform such as servers, software, and management are paid for by the provider and can be adjusted in flexible increments to fit customer needs and can be accessed over the Internet from anywhere in the world. Subscribers pay for features they require. Adding or subtracting services is dynamic. Cloud-based applications can be deployed in hours, days, or weeks as compared to much longer installation intervals if the same service were to be provided "in-house."

Perhaps most importantly, cloud computing minimizes the time spent on IT activities are are not directly mapped to the company bottom line and focuses the IT staff on tasks that have a much greater impact supporting tangible business goals.

Call David Gilberts @ (310) 487-1778 or email david@gilberts.com

CREDIT TO David Gilberts