Essential characteristics of Cloud Computing

 The Cloud Information Center (CIC) will use the definition of "cloud" as defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-145 The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing

This NIST "cloud" definition is composed of: 5 essential characteristics, 4 deployment models, and 3 service models of a cloud infrastructure.

 On-Demand Self-Service

A consumer can unilaterally provision the cloud, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring assistance form the Cloud Service Provider (CSP). 

Broad Network Access

The cloud is available over the network and accessed through standard devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and workstations).

Resource Pooling

The cloud is pooled or shared to serve multiple consumers, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to consumer demand. 

Rapid Elasticity

The cloud can be elastically provisioned and released, in some cases automatically, to scale rapidly outward and inward based on demand. To the consumer, the cloud infrastructure available for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be appropriated in any quantity at any time. 

Measured Service

The cloud usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both the provider and the consumer of the utilized service (i.e., pay for only what you use).