Here is a summary of the definitions that the group comtributed. If you want to add or modify any entries be my guest.
Cloud is a buzz word that is differently interpreted depending on the perspective of the person
Cloud is an abstraction that removes the technical detail from the user
Cloud is the second generation of infrastructure and service outsourcing
Cloud is a multidimensional concept
Cloud is the supply chain of IT services
Cloud is an evolution not a radical change
Cloud is the evolution of IT towards becoming a utility such as power or water
Cloud is unstoppable in becoming a major source of IT for organizations
Cloud is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, in demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (NIST)
Cloud is the comoditization of IT
Cloud provides an opportunity to deploy world-class infrastructure without a large investment
Cloud permits organizations to be responsive in response to changing business needs or cycles
Cloud is a shift in organization focus from building infrastructure to building capability
Cloud is the decoupling of IT needs from infrastructure
Cloud is a different way of understanding and using IT
Cloud results from the strategic decision based on cost
Cloud is a repackaging of traditional technology
Cloud is IT as a service
Cloud is about service capability and delivery. Not about technology
Cloud is not a single kind of system but a spectrum of underlying technologies, configuration possibilities, service models and deployment models
Cloud is a business and operational model
Cloud considerations
- IT is not seen as a source of competitive advantage
- Dynamic nature of technology
- High speed inexpensive internet
- Modular systems allow decoupling from functions
- Ability to cut costs
Cloud Drivers from Business Perspective
- Agility
- Cost Containment
- Multi-tenancy
- Reliability
- Scalability
- Virtualized