Cloud computing allows users to increase resources and capabilities without investing in new infrastructure by providing subscription-based services over the Internet. It encompasses services like software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) that extend existing IT capabilities. Cloud computing provides computation, software, data access, and storage without users needing knowledge of the underlying system infrastructure.

1. Cloud ComputingEDTC 5325 Spring 2011 Shannon Minton Jennifer King

2. "Cloud computing comes into focus only when you think about what IT always needs: a way to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. Cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that, in real-time over the Internet, extends IT's existing capabilities." What is cloud computing? http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031

3. Cloud Computing Terms SaaS (software as a service) - No investment for customers. Low costs for hosting. Google Apps and Zoho office are examples of SaaS. Utility computing - Storage and virtual servers "such as 3Tera's AppLogic and Cohesive Flexible Technologies' Elastic Server on Demand."

4. Terms (cont’d) Web services in the cloud - Similar to SaaS but include services like Google Maps, payroll, credit card processing, and postal services. PaaS (platform as a service) - Similar to SaaS but is used for development environment services like Coghead and Google App Engine.

5. Terms (cont’d) MSP (managed service provider) - One of the oldest forms of cloud computing such as virus scanning for emails and application monitoring service. Service commerce platforms - This is a blend of SaaS and MSP where the most common products are trading environments like ordering travel and secretarial services. Well known examples - Rearden Commerce and Ariba.

6. Terms (cont’d) Internet integration - Currently in its early stage; designed to serve SaaS providers known as ESB (enterprise service bus).

7. According to Wikipedia, "Cloud computing is computation, software, data access, and storage services that do not require end-user knowledge of the physical location and configuration of the system that delivers the services." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing

8. Cloud Taxonomy

9. Cloud Computing Diagram 1

10. Cloud Computing Diagram 2