The term cloud computing is being loosely applied and defined differently, and this is creating a lot of confusion in the market, according to Gartner, Inc. Analysts said it is imperative to understand these different perspectives and set proper expectations to obtain anticipated benefits.
According to Gartner, cloud computing is a style of computing in which massively scalable IT-related capabilities are provided as a service using Internet technologies to multiple external customers.
However, David Mitchell Smith, vice president and fellow at Gartner said, The term cloud computing has come to mean two very different things: a broader use that focuses on 'cloud,' and a more-focused use on system infrastructure and virtualization. Mixing the discussion of 'cloud-enabling technologies' with 'cloud computing services' creates confusion.
The two prevalent views of cloud computing are as follows:
-The cloud is an idea that derives from the perspective of the Internet/Web/software as a service (SaaS). The focus is more on cloud than computing with the emphasis placed on access to services from elsewhere (that is, from the cloud). This cloud is a global-class phenomenon and a high-level concept that can refer to a range of services extending from system infrastructure (for example, compute services and storage services) through applications (for example, CRM) and business processes (for example, payroll services). Gartner's definition is along these lines, with the off-premises nature of cloud services being the point of reference, and applicability to intra-enterprise use as a secondary effect.
-The second popular interpretation is a use of technologies, including virtualization and automation that focuses more on the computing than on the cloud aspect, with emphasis placed on the technologies that enable the creation and delivery of service-based capabilities. This perspective is an extension of traditional data center approaches and can be applied to entirely internal enterprise systems with no use of external off-premises capabilities provided by a third party.
Although these perspectives are different, there is a connection between them. Any provider of cloud computing services must have an environment that includes an infrastructure to support their delivery. Virtualization often is used to implement this underlying infrastructure to support delivery of the cloud computing services, said Smith. Cloud system infrastructure services are a subset of cloud computing, but not the entire picture.
Gartner said that users clearly separate the consideration of cloud computing and cloud computing services from the use of cloud computing-related concepts and technologies for the creation of internal systems.
Both perspectives (services and technologies) are valuable and should be pursued; however, they are two separate but related initiatives.
