Cloud computing glossary
08.12.2010
John Kennedy translates some of the common jargon you’ll hear as you navigate the cloud debate
CLOUD APP
A software application that sits on the internet, not on a local PC
CLOUD BROKER
An entity that creates and maintains relationships with multiple cloud service providers
CLOUD
A metaphor for a global network, first used in reference to the telephone network and now commonly used to represent the internet
CLOUD CENTRE
A large internet company, such as Amazon.com, Microsoft or Google, that provides businesses with infrastructure via the web
CLOUD COMPUTING
A networking solution in which everything from computing power to infrastructure, applications, business processes and collaboration are delivered as a service anytime, anywhere
CLOUD SERVICE
The delivery of software, infrastructure or storage that has been packaged, automated and delivered online
CLOUD SOURCING
Replacing traditional IT services with cloud services
CLOUDSTORMING
Connecting multiple cloud computing environments
PRIVATE CLOUD
An internal cloud that sits behind an organisation’s firewall. The cloud can be managed by that company’s IT department, which can then offer cloud services to workers
PUBLIC CLOUD
A cloud computing environment that is open for use by the general public – for example, Gmail, Hotmail and even Facebook
SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (SAAS)
Software services available over the internet to organisations’ workers such as CRM databases via Salesforce.com
STORAGE AS A SERVICE
The ability to host and retrieve private data securely online – for example, Amazon.com’s S3
SOFTWARE PLUS SERVICES
Combining hosted services with capabilities that are best achieved with locally running software – for example, Microsoft’s Business Productivity Online Standard Suite (BPOS)
This article is part of Cloud Computing, An Irish Director Report, a practical guide to the cloud for decisionmakers.