1. A Guide to Cloud terminology.
You must have heard about Cloud computing for sure. But like other users who are new to the IT
world you might not understand the terms related to it. You can refer to the following terms to get a
basic understanding about them which will help you better understand cloud computing.
1. Cloud Platform
A cloud platform includes an operating system, server software, applications and development
environment.
2. Software as a Service (SaaS)
It is very widely used form of cloud computing. It refers to the purchasing method of cloud
services where the users pays for the software he uses. It provides the users all the functions of
an application through web browser over the internet. It reduces the users dependence on the
application servers, storage and application development.
3. Private Cloud
A Private cloud is a cloud computing-like environment that is under the control of IT department
and is implemented within the corporate firewall typically for its exclusive usage. It is similar to a
dedicated server used exclusively by the client.
4. Public Cloud
A cloud computing environment where the service provider makes available resources, such as
storage and applications that is open for use to the general public, whether individuals,
corporations or other types of organizations. Amazon Web Services are an example of a public
cloud.
5. Hybrid Cloud
It is a combination of the public cloud and the private cloud.
6. Internal cloud
When an organization hosts its own cloud server for the internal use of its departments, it is
called an internal cloud.
7. Consumption-based model
It refers to a model of payment where the users pay only for the amount of resources used by
them. E.g. Paying for bandwidth on per gigabyte basis.
8. Subscription-based model
It is model of payment where users pay on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.

2. Now you may understand various terms related to the cloud which made Cloud Computing and
Cloud Hosting seem like out of this world to you.