NIST Definition of Cloud Computing

NIST defines 5 essentials characteristics which a system needs to meet in order to be cloud. NIST Special Publication 80-145 : https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/Legacy/SP/nistspecialpublication800-145.pdf​

#1 - On-Demands Self-Service

• "...can provision capabilities as needed without requiring human interaction"

#2 - Broad Network Access

• "Capabilities are available over the network accessed through standard mechanisms..."

• In short, access from anywhere using standard mechanisms like VPNs, HTTP, HTTPs, etc.

#3 - Resource Pooling

• Providers share resources to consumers. Resources are available at multiple locations, you just need to decide where to get the resource from.

#4 - Rapid elasticity

• Get more resources quickly as needed

#5 - Measured Service

• Pay only for what you use. Nothing in advance.

Exam Power-up

Public vs Private vs Hybrid vs Multi-Cloud

• Public Cloud = using 1 public cloud

• Private Cloud = using on-premises *real* cloud (if they meet 5 essential characteristics)

• Multi-Cloud = using more than 1 public cloud

• Hybrid Cloud = Public and Private Clouds

• Hybrid Cloud is NOT public cloud + legacy on-premises.

• Hybrid Network/Environment = Public cloud + legacy on-premises

Cloud Service Models