Rationalizing the Cloud Computing Concept: An Analogy with the Car

Rafik Ouanouki,Alain April,Abraham Morales

doi:10.5171/2014.901075

Rafik Ouanouki, Alain April + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.5171/2014.901075

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Abstract

Cloud Computing has quickly become a popular buzzword in the IT industry. It is hard to understand what cloud computing technologies are and if we are using the real thing. Many standard-developing organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the International Standards Organization (ISO) are working to provide a standard definition of Cloud Computing. Unfortunately, they are already facing a big challenge due to the presence of multiple definitions and the lack of understanding of this emerging technology. The main objective of this paper is to try to characterize Cloud Computing components and concepts using a familiar object, the car. Using this analogy, we identify concepts that should not be part of the international Cloud Computing definition on our quest for an improved definition. This work is part of the Canadian members' ISO/JTC1/SC38 work group effort aiming at an international consensus.

Highlights

Vaquero et al (Vaquero, 2008) list more than twenty existing Cloud Computing definitions in their paper, and conclude by proposing an additional one
This work is part of the Canadian members’ International Standards Organization (ISO)/JTC1/SC38 work group effort aiming at an international consensus
The ISO/JTC1/SC38 committee is focused on Distributed Application Platforms and services (DAPS) and has formed a working group (WG) for each of the following topics: (WG1) Web services (WG2) Service Oriented Architecture (WG3) Cloud Computing

Summary

Introduction

Vaquero et al (Vaquero, 2008) list more than twenty existing Cloud Computing definitions in their paper, and conclude by proposing an additional one. Some definition includes concepts like billing features, type of access, security issues, ownership of data, and even quality features associated with the technology and the services offered. Since these concepts vary depending on the technology, and can evolve, the definition of Cloud Computing can become broader and fuzzier over time. To better understand what characteristics should be part of the internationally accepted definition of Cloud Computing, or left out of it, we propose looking at a well known and well defined concept, and see how its definition deals with characteristics that aren’t explicitly mentioned, but are implied.

Background

Conclusion