This document discusses the development model for cloud computing platforms. It provides an overview of computing history from Turing machines to modern application platforms and servers. It then discusses how cloud computing aims to further reduce complexity by providing hosted services, software, and platforms. The document compares traditional on-premise application development with challenges to the cloud development approach using services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google App Engine, and Salesforce Force.com platform. It analyzes commonalities and differences between these platforms in terms of abstraction levels, application capabilities, and developer experience.