Analysts are here to explain and they seldom can let trends happen spontaneously without interpreting. So it’s not surprising that Gartner has jumped in with a new report that attempts to define exactly what Cloud Computing is. Cloud Computing is a term that has grown organically and is being applied to an ever growing range of technologies.
According to Gartner, true Cloud Computing needs to meet this definition:
1. The Cloud Computing provider must offer off-the-shelf service-based access that can be configured to match specific customer needs
2. The solution should be able to scale capacity up and down based on current needs of the customer
3. Services are shared among multiple customers. IT resources are used to maximum efficiency.
3. The Cloud Computing solution must be metered by use. Methods of metering include subscriptions, fixed plan or pay-as-you-go
4. To Gartner, the Cloud implies the Internet, so it must use protocols and formats like HTTP/S, URLs and IPs.
