This is a dynamic glossary, whose core entries are based on words used in the Skystack website.

Many definitions exist, however for consistency we use the NIST Definition of Cloud Computing. Many of us already use a cloud service in some way, for example GMail or Hotmail are both cloud based email services. Its the characteristics of these services that make them cloud based services. Here are some key characteristics of a cloud computing service.

Characteristics

• Self Service You can provision computing or other computing services as needed automatically. Without requiring any human interaction.
• Available on the Internet Cloud systems are available on the Internet.
• Managed Resources Resources are pooled to serve multiple customers.
• Scalability New resources can be allocated automatically based on demand using a programming interface.
• Measuring Services Cloud systems automatically control and optimise resource use by leveraging a metering capability.

A consumer would typically use a platform as a service (PaaS) to utilise the services the platform provides. Simply integrating the platform so that they can use the services it provides. An example of a typical PaaS would be a application hosting provider.

The typical benefit of adopting a platform as a service is not having to develop and manage the platform. Platforms are also quite specialised making them more complex to create.

A consumer would typically use a infrastructure as a service (IaaS) to provision processing, storage and networking capabilities to run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and software.

A consumer would use a software as a service (SaaS) solution through a program interface. The consumer has no control over the underlying infrastructure. Examples include web-based email.

"DevOps" was developed in response to the emerging understanding of the interdependence and importance of both the development and operations disciplines in meeting an organisation's goal of rapidly producing software products and services. DevOps on Wikipedia

The process of managing an applications life-cycle.