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The Many Faces of Cloud

The Many Faces of Cloud

You may already know the cloud as a service model, but to make full sense of the buzzwords and concepts circulating in today's industry, it's essential to view the subject from multiple angles. Let's guide you through these different perspectives, clarifying what terms like 'cloud-native,' 'hybrid cloud,' and 'multi-cloud' actually mean, and how their meanings can shift based on context and viewpoint.

You may already know the cloud as a service model, but to make full sense of the buzzwords and concepts circulating in today's industry, it's essential to view the subject from multiple angles. Let's guide you through these different perspectives, clarifying what terms like 'cloud-native,' 'hybrid cloud,' and 'multi-cloud' actually mean, and how their meanings can shift based on context and viewpoint.

This is an interactive infographic, so please keep a lookout for hints on how to drill down if you want to learn more.

This is an interactive infographic, so please keep a lookout for hints on how to drill down if you want to learn more.

Cloud Conflation and Confusion

How often have you found yourself listening to a supplier or colleague and becoming more confused, until it dawns on you that they are using phrases you know, but are defining them differently? Once you realise this, it all starts to make more sense.

Take the examples below, and hover over or tap on them for a view on alternative interpretations.

Public Cloud

Private Cloud

Cloud First

What does that even mean?

Hybrid-Cloud

Cloud Native

Multi-Cloud

xxxxx

Perspectives on Cloud

Perspectives on Cloud

xxxx

xxxxxx

Source of
Services

Type of
Services

Systems
Architecture

Hybrid/Multi
Cloud

Perspectives on Cloud

xxxx

xxxxxx

Source of
Services

Type of
Services

Systems
Architecture

Hybrid/Multi
Cloud

What is cloud?

xxxx

xxxxxx

Source of
Services

Type of
Services

Systems
Architecture

Hybrid/Multi
Cloud

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Note to Laura:
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Different Definitions of Cloud

Note to Laura:
Probably not going to use this section

Different Definitions of Cloud

Note to Laura:
Probably not going to use this section

Different Definitions of Cloud

Note to Laura:
Probably not going to use this section

Different Definitions of Cloud

Cloud computing is…

Renting computing power and storage from a third-party provider.

It's like the electricity grid for computing.

A virtualized pool of resources, from raw compute power to application functionality, available on demand.

A way to access servers, storage, databases and applications over the internet.

It's just running your stuff on someone else's computer.

One of the many ways you can outsource IT.

A business model for IT services, delivered over the web.

A platform for new application services like AI, machine learning, and data analytics.

The future of IT

Cloud computing is…

Renting computing power and storage from a third-party provider.

It's like the electricity grid for computing.

A virtualized pool of resources, from raw compute power to application functionality, available on demand.

A way to access servers, storage, databases and applications over the internet.

It's just running your stuff on someone else's computer.

One of the many ways you can outsource IT.

A business model for IT services, delivered over the web.

A platform for new application services like AI, machine learning, and data analytics.

The future of IT

Cloud computing is…

Renting computing power and storage from a third-party provider.

It's like the electricity grid for computing.

A virtualized pool of resources, from raw compute power to application functionality, available on demand.

A way to access servers, storage, databases and applications over the internet.

It's just running your stuff on someone else's computer.

One of the many ways you can outsource IT.

A business model for IT services, delivered over the web.

A platform for new application services like AI, machine learning, and data analytics.

The future of IT

Recognising Alternative Perspectives

All the definitions above offer valid but partial views of cloud computing, each through its own unique lens. To avoid confusion or talking at cross purposes, it's crucial to recognize the perspective from which someone is approaching the topic. Let's pause and examine the common angles people often adopt when discussing cloud, whether they're aware of it or not.