What Is it? Cloud computing technology is not new! The technology is ubiquitous, the service offering concepts and service models are newer concepts. It is a common terminology that can be applied to various service provider network models including those that deliver host-based services to customers (mostly Internet-based access). Cloud Computing and Security issues and concepts are definitely of interest for cloud computing and can facilitate or disrupt business. Cloud consumers can benefit from:
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Significant IT cost savings based on economies of scale;
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Service flexibility (on-demand); and
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Increased IT capabilities
To differentiate cloud computing from traditional IT hosting services, cloud computing offers:
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Customer purchased on-demand;
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Service elasticity by up-scaling or down-scaling using automated transparent processes; and
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Generally managed by Service Provider (depending on the deployment model, see below).
From a technology perspective, one can relate to Virtual Machines (VM) as a component of cloud computing; however, it is but a component and not the focal point of cloud computing, depending on the service model.
The main characteristics of cloud computing are:
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On-demand Self-service
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Broad Network Access
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Resource Pooling
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Rapid Elasticity
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Measured Service
Typical cloud services offerings include:
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Cloud Software as a Service (SaaS
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Cloud Platform as a Service (PaaS)
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Cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)