Cloud computing is one of the hottest topics in IT these days, with Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and other big players joining in the fray. However, the technology brings with it new terminology that can be confusing. Here are some common cloud-related terms and their meanings.

Cloud
A metaphor for a global network, first used in reference to the telephone network and now commonly used to represent the Internet.

Cloud operating system
A computer operating system that is specially designed to run in a provider’s datacenter and be delivered to the user over the Internet or another network. Windows Azure is an example of a cloud operating system or “cloud layer” that runs on Windows Server 2008. The term is also sometimes used to refer to cloud-based client operating systems such as Google’s Chrome OS.

Cloud portability
The ability to move applications and data from one cloud provider to another.

Cloud provider
A company that provides cloud-based platform, infrastructure, application, or storage services to other organizations and/or individuals, usually for a fee.

Cloud storage
A service that allows customers to save data by transferring it over the Internet or another network to an offsite storage system maintained by a third party.

Cloudsourcing
Replacing traditional IT services with cloud services.

Cloudstorming
Connecting multiple cloud computing environments.

Cloudware
Software that enables creating, deploying, running, or managing applications in the cloud.

Cluster
A group of linked computers that work together as if they were one.

External cloud
Public or private cloud services that are provided by a third party outside the organization.

Hosted application
An Internet-based or Web-based application software program that runs on a remote server and can be accessed via an Internet-connected PC or thin client.

Internal cloud
A type of private cloud whose services are provided by an IT department to those in its own organization.

SaaS
Software as a service — Cloud application services, whereby applications are delivered over the Internet by the provider, so that the applications don’t have to be purchased, installed, and run on the customer’s computers.
Vertical cloud
A cloud computing environment that is optimized for use in a particular industry, such as health care or financial services.

Are you curious about how cloud computing can add value to your business? Stay tuned—later this year, we will provide a strategic guide on this emerging trend.