Cloud computing(CC) 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.

Although this widely adopted description of what makes a cloud computing solution is very valuable, it is not very tangible or easy to understand. Why is CC different than just visualizing alone which is commonly mistaken to be cloud computing as well?

Cloud computing is composed of five essential characteristics, three deployment models and four service models. The essential characteristics consist of;

• On-demand self-service; users are able to position CC resources without requiring human interaction, mostly done through a web –based self-service portal (management console)

• Board network access; CC resources are accessible over the network, supporting heterogeneous client platforms such as mobile devices and workstations.

• Resource pooling; service multiple customers from the same physical resources, by securely separating the resources on logical level.

• Rapid elasticity; resources are positioned and released on demand and/or automated based on triggers or parameters. This will make sure your application will have exactly the capacity it needs at any point in time.

• Measured service; resource usage is monitored, measured and reported (billed)transparently based on utilization.

Therefore, cloud computing is much more than just visualization. IT’s really about utilizing technology as a service. Users need little to no knowledge in the details of how a particular service is implemented, on which hardware, on how many CPU’s and so on. All that is important for a user is to have a good understanding of what the service offers and what it does not and how to operate the self-service portal.

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