Business in the Cloud
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Application software
Provides web-based user interface, web
services APIs, as well as configuration and
customization.
Application development and
deployment software
Supports the development and integration
of cloud application software
System and application management
software
Supports rapid self-service provisioning
and configuration and usage monitoring.
Internet Protocol networks
Connect end users to the cloud and the
infrastructure components.
The following table shows the key attributes of cloud services:
Table 3 - Cloud Services Attributes
Attributes
Description
Offsite third-party provider
In the cloud execution, it is assumed that a
third-party provider is involved. There is
also a possibility of in-house cloud service
delivery.
Accessed via the Internet
Services are accessed via standard-based,
universal network access (Chapter 7.1 –
Basic Requirements for Cloud Services). It
can also include security and quality-of-
service options.
Minimal or no IT skill required
There is a simplified specification of
requirements.
Provisioning
Includes self-service requesting, near real-
time deployment, and dynamic and fine-
grained scaling.
Pricing
Pricing is based on a per-usage capability
and is fine-grained.
User Interface
Includes browsers for a variety of devices
and with rich capabilities.
Source: (Gens, 2008)
