How do you define Cloud Computing?

[Salar Hassani]

Having found, the likes of Wikipedia's definition inadequate, I needed
a definition to set clarity in context during discussions. Below is
the summary of that definition:

* CC DEFINITION

Currently there are two core themes developing in Cloud Computing:
1) Technology
1a). With the focus on: Provisioning of the layers of
infrastructure and the applications, including UI.

2) Information
2a) In the clouds. That is the Data or Information in the clouds.
What makes a cloud different to Grids, SaaS or other ancestor
technology is; "the notion of Custodianship of client's information" -
their Intellectual and highly confidential Property. I.P. 2b. In
between the clouds: i.e. Sub and partner associations of clouds, and
hence:
2bi) Transpiration of client's I.P. to/from 3rd parties.
2b.ii) Distributed nature of client's proprietary information or
I.P., while you have been trusted with its custody.

Therefore:

CC = 1a + (2a + 2b)

Or

CC = [technology(Infra-ops + Apps)] + [Information(in-cloud + in-
between)]

* CHALLENGES IN AND IN BETWEEN THE CLOUDS

There is more focused on the technology theme. However, it is becoming
apparent that the bigger challenge will be around Information; in and
in between the clouds - the interpretability of the clouds.

By "in-between the clouds", what I mean is: The transport mechanism
that
comprises of (technical and operational protocols) that needs to and
will be
measurable and auditable by the conforming governance- that will
undoubtedly
come along. This space will get particularly sensitive when we think
globally and around issues such as Data Protection Acts, etc. when one
cloud depends on the services of other clouds.

That is because, the client/customer that has entrusted a cloud (or
more)
with its I.P., doesn't necessarily want to audit it, but simply needs
the
"Assurance" by some accepted/respected body that the I.P. is safe and
conforms, in and in between the clouds.

Salar Hassani
www.itschema.com