Cloud Computing Explained

Matz, Rosalyn. "Cloud computing explained" EDUCAUSE Quartely, 33(2) (2010). At: http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/CloudComputingExplained/206526
While there are several definitions of cloud computing out there, Matz chooses to use the NIST definition as it is concise and uses standard terms. NIST defines cloud computing as: "...a model for enabling 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. This cloud model promotes availability and is composed of five essential characteristics, three service models, and four deployment models." Matz further explains the different characteristics, service and deployment models, and provides some examples of cloud-based technologies.