See http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/SNS/cloud-computing/
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) has posted its working definition of cloud computing (raw url above). Computer scientists at NIST developed this draft definition in collaboration with industry and government. It was developed as the foundation for a NIST special publication that will cover cloud architectures, security, and deployment strategies for the federal government.
NIST’s role in cloud computing is to promote the effective and secure use of the technology within government and industry by providing technical guidance and promoting standards. To learn more about NIST's cloud efforts, join the NIST cloud computing announcement mailing list (very low volume) by sending an email to "listproc@nist.gov" with "subscribe cloudlist" in the message body text.
This material is public domain, although attribution to NIST is requested. It may be freely duplicated and translated.
NIST Cloud Computing Project Lead: Peter Mell
Action Item: The maturity of "standards" (definitions, technologies, practices) for cloud computing is inevitable as the technologies and business of cloud computing take shape and grow. Standards can benefit the end-user in that they establish common language and create the basis for interoperability and competition in the marketplace. As platform, infrastructure, and software services grow in capabilities and options, business IT managers should stay connected with the standardization process, particularly with how it develops around trust and security capabilities.
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