Cloud computing is a model for allowing convenient, on-demand access to a shared resource of configurable resources (i.e. networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly setup and utilized with minimal management effort or service provider work. This cloud model promotes quick availability and ease of use.
The Cloud Computing strategy offers the promise of sizeable cost savings combined with increased IT agility. It is considered important that state government and industry begin utilization of this technology in response to difficult economic times.
The answer to what does the cloud consist of question varies, depending on who responds. But the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) define cloud computing as a set of characteristics, delivery models and deployment models that include the following:
- On-demand self-service
- Ubiquitous network access
- Resource pooling
- Rapid elasticity
- A pay-per-use billing model
The NIST also explains that the cloud has four deployment models — hybrid cloud, private cloud, public cloud and community cloud — and three delivery models — Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).
The deployment models can be used for any of the delivery models — think private PaaS — and those delivery models have become umbrellas for a number of other as-a-Service offerings, such as Applications as aService, under SaaS, and Management as a Service, under IaaS.
But the terms may not matter as much as the end results. Cloud services simply offer a more efficient way of delivering IT, a chief IT architect for a government agency based in Connecticut states it in these terms.
“In the end, the platform doesn’t matter,” he said. “It’s all about the best way to deliver the service”. …
If you are interested in learning more please attend our next webinar
Overview of Cloud Backup Solutions
Thu, May 2, 2013 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
