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58 Cloud Computing Terms You Should Know

Understanding cloud computing terminology is essential for effective communication. Furthermore, knowing what each term means opens up a path to deeper insight that encourages informed decisions. This article describes some cloud computing terms you should know, with an emphasis on how they relate to cloud computing.

Adeyomola KazeemAleksander Hougen

Written by Adeyomola Kazeem (Writer)

Reviewed by Aleksander Hougen (Co-Chief Editor)

Last Updated: 2025-02-07T16:15:04+00:00

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Cloud Computing Terms
  • Scalability and on-demand access are at the core of the flexibility of cloud computing.
  • Content delivery networks and edge computing are cloud computing approaches that reduce latency.
  • The use of containers in the cloud ensures consistency in application execution across differing environments.

Facts & Expert Analysis About Cloud Computing:

  • The first SaaS solutions: Salesforce started out in March 1999 as the first Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company.1
  • Amazon redefining IaaS and PaaS: Even though it launched around seven years after Salesforce, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is sometimes credited as the first modern-day cloud computing company because of its extensive offerings across delivery models.2
  • Serverless computing on the rise: As of 2023, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) has the highest rate of serverless container usage.3

Cloud computing is a computing model that offers access to a pool of computers without physical contact. Essentially, you use the computing power of computers that you cannot see or touch over the internet. Understanding cloud computing terms is essential for effective communication and decision-making in the cloud industry.

For cloud computing professionals, learning cloud computing terms obviously aids career progression. With a comprehensive cloud computing vocabulary, you’ll be familiar with most concepts you’ll come across in work environments and on certification exams.

  • 11/18/2024

    Updated article with important key takeaways.

A to Z: Cloud Computing Terms and Definitions

Think of this article like a cloud computing dictionary — a quick reference for terms used regularly. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or need a quick refresher, the 58 most common cloud computing terms listed here will help.

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the subsidiary of Amazon that provides cloud computing services. Its services span three cloud delivery models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). AWS is the largest cloud provider in the world by market share.

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2. Application Migration

Application migration involves transferring applications from an on-premises infrastructure to the cloud. Like data migration, it is a vital process for organizations making the switch to the cloud.

3. Application Modernization

Application modernization is the process of revising old application code for newer computing systems. Basically, existing software designed for legacy infrastructure is updated with new programming languages, frameworks and so on to optimize it for modern systems.

4. Application Programming Interface (API)

An application programming interface (API) is software that fosters communication between applications. APIs facilitate most of the communications in the cloud, acting as the messenger between user interfaces and backends, microservices, applications sharing data and so on.

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a phenomenon based on technology that allows machines to mimic human intelligence and problem-solving. Given the massive computing resources needed to train AI models, cloud computing’s on-demand model and cost-efficiency make it the perfect choice for powering artificial intelligence while keeping costs reasonable. 

6. Auto-Scaling

Auto-scaling is a cloud computing feature that drives the automated and dynamic expansion or contraction of computing power based on changes in usage patterns. The essence of auto-scaling is to maintain performance while avoiding unnecessary charges.

7. Big Data

Big data refers to enormous volumes of datasets that go beyond the capacity of regular computing power. Thanks to its flexibility and scalability, cloud computing offers the type of storage and processing that can handle big data.

8. Blockchain

The blockchain is a record of transactions distributed over a network of computers. At its core is a design that democratizes access to records, ensuring higher security and resistance to alterations. The use of blockchain technology in cloud computing offers increased data security and reduces the risk of having a single point of failure.

9. Cloud

The cloud refers to computing resources accessed over the internet. It’s basically over-the-air computing power. Cloud computing provides on-demand access to the cloud, which includes its servers, storage, network and software.

10. Cloud Backup

Cloud backup involves storing a copy of data in the cloud. It may also refer to the copy of your data stored in the cloud. Cloud backups typically exist on a different resource or platform than the original copy of the data and are vital to successful disaster recovery.

11. Cloud Bursting

Cloud bursting is a technique used in hybrid cloud deployments. It involves using public cloud resources as supplements to private cloud resources during periods of peak usage. “Bursting” is a metaphor for the transfer of excess traffic from a private cloud to a public cloud when the private cloud is at peak capacity.

12. Cloud Computing Architecture

Cloud computing architecture is the structural layout that describes the components of a cloud environment and their interactions. It depicts how hardware, software, virtual computing resources and virtual networks combine to create a cloud environment.

13. Cloud Computing Characteristics

Cloud computing characteristics include on-demand access, self-service, broad network access, elasticity, flexibility, resource pooling, virtualization, automation, measured services, remote access and pay-as-you-go pricing.

14. Cloud Delivery Models

Cloud delivery models describe how cloud computing services are presented to the customer. They’re also indicative of the level of infrastructural abstraction in a service provided to the customer. The three main cloud delivery models are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).

15. Cloud Deployment Models

Cloud deployment models are a type of cloud computing and a description of the control of and access to a cloud environment. They also indicate the location of the hardware and those responsible for managing the infrastructure. The main cloud deployment models are public, private and hybrid.

16. Cloud Migration

Cloud migration typically encompasses the processes and policies involved in the transfer of traditional on-premises computing infrastructure to cloud environments. In some cases, it may be a transfer from one cloud environment to another.

17. Cloud-Native

Cloud-native refers to any tool, service or software designed primarily for use in cloud environments. Microservices and containers are among the technologies that fit the description of cloud-native.

18. Cloud Service Provider

A cloud service provider is a business that rents out computing power over the internet. Cloud service providers offer on-demand access to computing resources, including servers, a network and storage.

19. Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is virtual storage available over the internet. It is typically available on demand and can be object, block or filesystem storage. Cloud storage may also be available in the form of backup services.

20. Containers

Containers are lightweight software packages that include application code and dependencies like runtime and libraries. The essence of containers is portability. Containers allow for consistency in the execution of applications across various platforms. The use of containers in cloud computing ensures users can run their applications anywhere and get similar outcomes.

21. Content Delivery Network (CDN)

A content delivery network is a distributed system of servers designed to cache web content for proximity and faster delivery to end users. In cloud computing, content delivery networks contribute to faster content delivery, enhancing performance and user satisfaction.

22. Data Governance

Data governance is a framework of policies, processes and roles used to ensure data security, privacy, availability, accuracy, consistency and usability. It is vital in cloud computing, especially in public cloud platforms that contain a lot of data.

23. Data Integration

Data integration is the process of merging data from various sources into a unified set for analysis. Cloud computing’s global architecture is perfect for data integration, as it allows for the seamless retrieval and merging of data from multiple sources around the world.

24. Data Migration

Data migration means data movement. When it comes to cloud computing, data migration involves transferring data from on-premises environments to the cloud. It is a vital process in any organization’s transition to the cloud.

25. Data Warehouse

A data warehouse is a central data system that pools data from various sources for analysis and reporting. It’s a data processing system that supports data-driven decision-making in businesses. Cloud computing’s global architecture and scalable storage are perfect for creating data warehouses.

26. Database Security

Database security is a set of tools, policies, practices and controls that ensure the integrity of data in databases and protect them from vulnerabilities and threats, whether intended or unintended. It is a vital part of cloud computing, as all kinds of data — both sensitive and non-sensitive — are stored in cloud databases.

27. DevOps

DevOps is a development and operations model involving practices, tools and processes that drive an efficient software development life cycle. In DevOps, the roles involved in software development are integrated and automated. Cloud computing’s scalability and flexibility support the swiftness and efficiency required in DevOps.

28. Docker

Docker is a tool used to bundle application codes and their dependencies into lightweight software packages called containers. Creating containers promotes consistency in application deployment across different environments. This comes in handy when exploring the various cloud environments.

29. Edge Computing

Edge computing is an approach to computing that primarily aims to reduce latency by processing and storing data in network locations proximal to data sources. In fewer words, it’s a model that prioritizes data processing and storage at network edges instead of the central data center.

30. Elastic Computing

Elastic computing is a computing model that sees computing resources react to increasing or decreasing usage. It is basically the ability of computing resources like storage to stretch or contract as needed. Elastic computing is a core part of cloud computing’s scalability.

31. Elasticity

Elasticity refers to cloud resources’ ability to react to dynamic changes in usage patterns. It may involve increasing or decreasing computing power, which is known as vertical elasticity. Alternatively, it may entail provisioning or removing extra cloud resources.

32. Google Cloud Platform

Google Cloud Platform — also called GCP — is Google’s cloud service provider. It is the third-largest cloud services provider in the world by market share. Its services extend across the three main cloud delivery models, and it’s a leading name in the AI, big data and machine learning fields.

33. High Availability

High availability is a cloud infrastructure’s ability to perform with minimal downtime. It is a concept that reflects how resilient a cloud platform or environment is, and describes a system that operates for long periods without failing.

34. Hybrid Cloud Computing

Hybrid cloud computing is a cloud deployment model that fuses the benefits of public and private cloud computing. Typically, a hybrid cloud takes advantage of the security and control of private cloud services and merges that with the flexibility and cost-efficiency of a public cloud.

35. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing service delivery model that delivers basic computing resources such as a network, storage and servers over the internet. It offers users access to computing power without the responsibility of hardware maintenance.

36. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes unconventional computing devices connected over the internet. IoT includes regular electronics like smart cars, smart TVs, smart refrigerators, smartwatches, pacemakers and so on. Cloud computing serves as the data tunnel for IoT.

37. Kubernetes

Kubernetes is the foremost container orchestration tool. It is an open-source tool for managing containers; it automates container deployment, scaling, application updates, server healing and so on. It’s basically a coordinator for containers.

38. Load Balancing

Load balancing is the distribution of traffic across multiple servers to ensure the servers are not overloaded. This is a crucial part of cloud computing, as it is integral to cloud reliability and performance. When servers are overloaded with traffic, they slow down or become unavailable, leading to downtime or underperformance.

39. Machine Learning

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence focused on training machines to perform tasks based on pattern recognition. Basically, it involves providing existing data to machines so they can perform tasks even with only minimal instructions.

40. Managed Service Provider (MSP)

A managed service provider is a third-party organization that handles the management and maintenance of another organization’s cloud infrastructure. Managed service providers are beneficial, as they provide dedicated support for your cloud infrastructure while you focus on your business.

41. Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing platform. It is the second largest cloud provider by market share, and it offers services across all three cloud delivery models. Microsoft Azure is popular for its ease of integration with existing Microsoft tools and infrastructure.

42. Microservices

Microservices are independent, functional software components that communicate with each other, making up a larger service suite. Microservice architecture is a modular software development approach that increases reliability and development speed and reduces downtime. Tools like Kubernetes and Docker enable optimal microservice management and performance.

43. Middleware

Middleware is a medium of communication between different applications and systems. It serves as the bridge through which communication between applications flows, allowing for easy integration of multiple applications into a single unit.

44. Multicloud

Multicloud is an emerging cloud deployment model where users combine services across multiple cloud service provider platforms. Multicloud may be a combination of only public cloud services or both public and private cloud services.

45. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud delivery model that delivers a preconfigured software deployment environment. It offers developers a platform where they can deploy their applications without the responsibility of infrastructure management.

46. Private Cloud

Private cloud is a cloud deployment model; it’s an exclusive cloud computing environment typically dedicated to one organization. It may be deployed on-premises or in third-party data centers. When in third-party locations, it’s either managed, virtual or hosted.

47. Public Cloud

Public cloud a cloud deployment model. A public cloud entails cloud computing resources delivered over the internet by a cloud service provider. Unlike a private cloud, resources in a public cloud, particularly hardware resources, are not dedicated to one user.

48. Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is an approach to computing based on quantum science. It involves using quantum bits (qubits) instead of regular bits to solve complex computing problems. Considering the potential for faster results, quantum computing could be the future of the cloud.

49. Redundancy

Redundancy in cloud computing refers to the creation of copies of critical components, such as databases, to avoid having a single point of failure. It refers to the practice of having backups for vital systems, such that when one system fails another can take its place, preventing total downtime. 

50. Scalability

Scalability is the ability to provision or deprovision resources in a cloud environment in response to changing demands. It is primarily horizontal, meaning new instances are added to or removed from the system. However, it may also be vertical, which means increasing or decreasing the compute powers of the resources to meet demand.

51. Security, Identity & Compliance

Cloud security includes the tools, policies and practices that ensure the integrity of data and applications in the cloud while preventing unauthorized access. Identity in cloud computing focuses on managing user access to computing environments, and compliance involves ensuring regulatory standards are met.

52. Serverless Computing

In serverless computing, the servers are pre-configured to run code. Serverless computing allows developers to run code without the responsibility of infrastructure management. Though similar to Platform as a Service (PaaS), serverless computing has more abstraction from the underlying infrastructure. It also autoscales and only executes code.

53. Service-Level Agreement (SLA)

A service-level agreement (SLA) is an agreement between cloud providers and their customers that describes service expectations. It focuses on uptime and availability, metrics, response times and other factors crucial to service delivery. It also defines penalties for failing to meet defined service levels.

54. Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing delivery model that offers ready-to-use applications to end users as a service. It provides end-user applications over a network (usually the internet) and has a pay-as-you-go pricing model.

55. Types of Cloud Computing

The types of cloud computing can be based either on a deployment model or on a delivery model. Deployment model-based cloud computing includes public cloud, private cloud and hybrid cloud. Meanwhile delivery model-based cloud computing includes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).

56. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

Virtual desktop infrastructure allows remote access to desktops hosted on a central server. Typical of cloud computing, physical desktops are virtualized and users gain remote access to them from their internet-enabled devices.

57. Virtual Machine (VM)

A virtual machine (VM) is a software simulation of a physical computer. It is one of the core components of cloud computing delivery, as many services — whether IaaS, PaaS or SaaS — are built on virtual machines.

58. Virtualization

Virtualization in cloud computing involves creating virtual versions of hardware computing resources. It is the core software behind the delivery of computing power over the internet – the central basis of cloud computing.

What Is Cloud Computing in Simple Terms?

Cloud computing in simple terms is renting computers over the internet. You do not have physical access to the computers, but you connect to and use them over the internet. Cloud computing offers users cheap access to computing power that would otherwise cost a fortune. Its uses are the same as those of regular computers, with the added benefit of flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Who Coined the Term “Cloud Computing”?

Compaq coined the term “cloud computing” in 1996. However, Professor Ramnath Chellappa of Emory University gets the credit for the first academic literature usage, in 1997.

What Is Another Term for Cloud Computing?

Other terms for cloud computing include “on-demand computing,” “grid computing,” “distributed computing” and “utility computing.”

How Does Cloud Computing Work?

In cloud computing, cloud service providers fill multiple buildings spread across various geographical locations with physical computing resources. Then, they install software on those computing resources, which virtually emulates the functions of the computing components.

What Does the Term “Redundancy” Mean in Cloud Computing?

Redundancy refers to the practice of having backups for vital systems. Creating copies of critical components (such as databases) helps avoid creating a single point of failure. That way, if one system fails, another can take its place. This helps prevent total downtime.

What Is Security Management in Cloud Computing?

Cloud security management is a collection of strategies and practices that promote effective data and application usage while keeping threat levels as low as possible.

Final Thoughts

Terms like “scalability,” “availability,” “microservices” and “load balancing” are commonly used in cloud computing, but they might leaving most people scratching their heads. We hope our list of cloud computing terms has clarified a lot of the jargon that circulates the industry.

Are you unfamiliar with any of the terms on our list? If so, which ones? Which terms do you think are the most representative of cloud computing? Did we miss some important terms we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading.

  • Some key terms that describe cloud computing include “scalability,” “virtualization,” “high availability,” “edge computing” and “virtual machines.”

  • Though some cloud computing terms are the same across the board, individual cloud service providers typically have their own names for their IaaS, PaaS and SaaS offerings. For instance, virtual machines on AWS are called Elastic Cloud Compute (EC2), whereas on GCP they are called Compute Engine.

  • The four types of cloud computing based on the deployment model are public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud and multicloud.

Sources:

  1. Big Commerce – History of SaaS 
  2. BCS – History of the Cloud
  3. Data Dog – Container Report

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