Cloud Computing Reference Model PDF

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 3

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing enables convenient, on-demand network access


to a shared pool of computing resources. It allows rapid
development and release of your services with minimal
management effort or any other service provider interaction.
Cloud computing continues to evolve from a market disruptor to the
expected approach for IT. It now impacts every aspect of modern
businesses. It also serves as the foundation for other disruptive
trends, including the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence (AI)
and the digital business.
This figure appearing below illustrates the benefits of cloud
computing:
As you can see, cloud computing enables businesses to focus on
their core strengths and delegate non-strategic IT functions to an
external partner. This allows companies to improve scalability,
agility, increase innovation and reduce costs.

Cloud Reference Models


With the increasing popularity of cloud computing, the definitions
of various cloud computing architectures have broadened. The
cloud landscape has many vendors and multiple definitions of
offerings, making it very difficult to evaluate their services. With
such diversity in their implementation, understanding how the cloud
works and interacts with other technologies can be a little
confusing.
To achieve the potential of cloud computing, there is a need to have
a standard cloud reference model for the software architects,
software engineers, security experts and businesses, since it
provides a fundamental reference point for the development of
cloud computing. The Cloud Reference Model brings order to this
cloud landscape. This figure appearing here also illustrates various
cloud providers and their technologies within the available cloud
service models in the market.
The Model Overview
Standards bodies define the cloud reference models, and then
vendors map their services to these models. The National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST), a U.S. government body,
defines the standard protocol for cloud computing providers.
Vendors then develop their cloud platform while following the
defined standard guidelines and starting their operational
engagement with enterprise business systems.
NIST took an early leadership role in standardizing the definitions
around cloud computing. This happened as cloud technology was
making inroads into the U.S. federal government.
Leading cloud service providers map their services to the NIST
reference model. IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, and Amazon are leading
companies in the market, which provide cloud service that comply
with the NIST reference model. The reference model:
 Describes the domain and key concepts
 Provides a shared vision, understanding, and taxonomy
 Reduces complexity to enhance the development of new
products
 Provides a guide for interoperability and standards
 Provides a model for functions and services of cloud
implementations
 Defines best practices

You might also like