This document provides an introduction to cloud computing, including:
- Defining cloud computing and explaining its evolution from virtualization and utility computing.
- Describing the advantages of cloud computing like elasticity, failover capabilities, and data redundancy.
- Stating the key characteristics of cloud computing like being user centric, task centric, and powerful/programmable.
- Defining the cloud delivery models of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS and providing examples like Google Docs, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon EC2.
- Explaining the private and public cloud deployment models.