Cloud Concepts, Architecture, and Design

This chapter provides common definitions for cloud computing terms and discusses the various participants in the cloud computing ecosystem. The basic concepts of cloud computing, service models, and deployment models form the foundation of cloud computing practice. There are three service models: software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). The different service models dictate the level of control over software applications, operating systems, networking, and other components. A cloud service provider may offer SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS services in any combination. The cloud service partner can provide customized interfaces, load balancing, and a variety of services. Building block technologies are the elements that make cloud computing possible. Reference architecture creates a framework or mapping of cloud computing activities and cloud capabilities to allow the services of different vendors to be mapped and potentially work together more seamlessly.