Cloud computing definition published

Cloud computing definition published

Cloud computing covers a large area of IT and has often brought confusion to those who don't have all of the information.

Now, a definition has been published in the 16th and final edition of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Definition of Cloud Computing. The special publication aims to clarify the service to help businesses and organisations to assess their IT needs and the suitability of services under consideration.

NIST computer scientist Peter Mell observed: “When agencies or companies use this definition they have a tool to determine the extent to which the information technology implementations they are considering meet the cloud characteristics and models.

“This is important because by adopting an authentic cloud, they are more likely to reap the promised benefits of cloud - cost savings, energy savings, rapid deployment and customer empowerment," he added.

He went on to say that by matching an implementation to the cloud definition, organisations have the added benefit of being able to evaluate the security properties of the cloud.

In exact terms, the NIST definition of cloud computing is “A model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on0demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisions and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction”.

This 'scalability' is often what attracts firms to the cloud in the first place. However, to ensure that they receive the best service possible, it is worth checking that the firm's internal networks are up to scratch.

A managed network is one option to consider if the existing cables are not going to be able to provide sufficient bandwidth to run high-level cloud applications at an acceptable speed.

hSo provides managed networks designed for business. To get an instant cost for a leased line at your location, visit our online leased line price checker.