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Also known as: Cloud Services
On-demand delivery of shared, configurable computing resources over networks with elasticity and measured service.
DESCRIPTION
Cloud computing provides ubiquitous, on-demand access to shared compute, storage, and networking via the internet. It enables rapid elasticity, self-service provisioning, and metered usage. Service models include IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, while deployment models include public, private, and hybrid clouds. Cloud shifts capital expenditure to operational expenditure and accelerates time to value. It underpins modern data platforms, microservices, and AI workloads. Key concerns include security, compliance, portability, and vendor lock-in. Governance frameworks and FinOps practices manage cost and risk. Standards like NIST SP 800-145 define essential characteristics.
ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS
NIST
Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.
Authoritative definition detailing essential characteristics and resource pooling.
AWS
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the Internet with pay-as-you-go pricing.
Highlights the business model and on-demand nature succinctly.
Microsoft Azure
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.
Emphasizes expanded service set and business benefits.
RELATED TERMS
Infrastructure-as-a-Service Platform-as-a-Service SaaS Serverless Computing Virtualization Kubernetes Multi-Cloud Hybrid Cloud Cost Optimization Autoscaling
COMPETING TERMS
On-Premises Computing
RELATIONS
- Narrower: Cloud Optimized
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Cloud Infrastructure Platform & Tooling Data Services
TARGET AUDIENCE
Cloud Architect Chief Technology Officer Chief Information Officer Data Engineer Software Developer Enterprise Architect
EXTERNAL SOURCES
- Wikipedia - Cloud computing
- NIST - Authoritative cloud definition
- AWS - Vendor cloud overview
- Google Cloud - Google Cloud overview
- Microsoft Azure - Azure cloud definition
TOP QUESTIONS
What essential characteristics define Cloud Computing?
NIST lists on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service as defining characteristics.
Category: Definition
Why is Cloud Computing still relevant?
It accelerates innovation, supports global scale, and shifts costs to pay-as-you-go. Cloud-native services power modern data, AI, and DevOps practices.
Category: Relevancy
What are common Cloud Computing deployment models?
Public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud deployments are common. Each balances control, cost, and flexibility differently.
Category: Example
What are Cloud Computing risks?
Vendor lock-in, security misconfigurations, and rising costs without governance are key risks. Effective architecture and FinOps mitigate them.
Category: Risks
How does Cloud Computing impact data architectures?
It enables managed services for storage, processing, and analytics, encouraging decoupled, scalable, and event-driven designs.
Category: Architecture
What’s a hot topic in Cloud Computing?
Serverless, confidential computing, and AI accelerators are hot. Sustainability and green operations are also rising priorities.
Category: Topic
How do I manage cost in the cloud?
Adopt FinOps practices, use rightsizing and autoscaling, set budgets and alerts, and leverage committed use discounts.
Category: Management
What skills are needed for Cloud Computing adoption?
Cloud architecture, security, IaC, and platform operations. Organizational change management and governance are equally important.
Category: Requirements
What is an on-premises alternative to Cloud Computing?
Traditional data centers provide dedicated infrastructure but lack cloud’s elasticity and managed services. Hybrid approaches blend both.
Category: Alternatives