Cloud computing
Cloud computing provides IT resources over a network on demand. Service and deployment models determine which tasks remain with the company.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is a model in which configurable IT resources are provisioned and released over a network as needed. The NIST definition identifies self-service, network access, a shared resource pool, elasticity and usage metering as essential characteristics. Cloud therefore means more than an arbitrary rented server.
A fictional development team sets up a test environment for a portal version. Through a management interface, it requests computing capacity and storage, then releases resources it no longer needs. It separately defines how test data and backups will be removed. On-demand provisioning does not replace that data decision.
IaaS, PaaS and SaaS distinguish which technical layers are provided as a service and what the team operates itself. Whether a cloud is offered to the public or exclusively to one organisation is a different classification. The word cloud alone implies neither a particular location nor lower total costs.
Sources
Related terms
- IaaSInfrastructure as a Service supplies computing, storage and networks. The operating system and the company’s own applications remain the team’s tasks.
- PaaSPlatform as a Service provides a platform for custom applications. The team deploys its code; the provider operates the underlying environment.
- SaaSSoftware as a Service means using an application operated by its provider. The company configures users, data and the available settings.
- Return-PathReturn-Path records the SMTP reverse path in a header. It explains the technical route for error reports, not a person’s identity.
- Envelope-FromEnvelope-From identifies the SMTP sender for transport and error feedback. It must be distinguished from the visible sender address.
- DMARC aggregate reportA DMARC aggregate report summarises a reporting mail system’s domain checks over a period. It helps examine sending sources and misconfigurations.
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