The definition of a cloud computing platform expands and changes with time. How can it not? Cloud computing extends over the never-ending and evolving expanse of computer architecture and technology. Instead of trying to define a cloud computing platform in a narrow domain, a broader definition is needed: A cloud computing platform is a human and computer accessible network of configurable computer hardware components and interconnected software applications.
A cloud computing platform may also be viewed as a user-accessible data center in which a user can control, apply and configure for what ever purpose they see fit. Cloud computer platforms can be public, meaning that a business or the general public can buy a subscription to access it. Cloud computer platforms can also be private This meaning that only a select group of people can access it. For example, many governments and companies have private cloud computing platforms. Finally, a cloud computing platform can be a hybrid. A hybrid cloud computing platform is in general a private cloud platform that can be configured to interact with a public computer platform.
For the real business world, and the world of cloud service providers, cloud platforms are classified into more specific categories. There are for example, PaaS platforms also known as Platforms as a Service. These cloud platforms are targeted at software developers. Software developers that want to develop specific applications, built with specific programming languages, such as Java, PHP or Ruby, are the end-users of PaaS cloud platforms. Developers often prefer PaaS platforms over in-house software development platforms. This is because a PaaS cloud platform provides an unlimited number of processors, servers, data storage, operating systems, and applications specific development software and tools to create their application in.
For a business or consumer, a cloud platform often means a place to store data. It can also mean a place where different software programs can be accessed. For a company, a cloud platform is a place where all members of the company can access software programs, store files and share information with others. For companies that don't want to have the hardware and software needed for a cloud on-site (a private cloud), they are more and more often,selecting a public cloud computing platform for their entire company. If the right type of public cloud or clouds are chosen, this can often mean significant savings for the company. And this is because, with the right type of clouds, a company no longer has to support in-house hardware and software upgrades for all the members of the company.
Learning Links
Nine Cloud Development Platforms on the Rise, InfoWorld
Debating the Definition of Cloud Computing Platforms, Forbes
The 20 Coolest Cloud Platforms & Vendors, CRN
A Short Introduction to Cloud Platforms, An Enterprise Oriented View, Chapman and Associates
What is PaaS?, Microsoft
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