Cloud Computing Terms Glossary: Cloud Computing Terms in 2024
A
Analytics
Analytics is the discovery, interpretation, and communication of meaningful patterns and insights from data.
Api
An API (Application Programming Interface) allows different software systems to communicate and interact with each other.
Api (Application Programming Interface)
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate and interact with each other.
Api Gateway
An API Gateway is a server or service that acts as an intermediary between an application and backend services, providing a single entry point for multiple APIs and managing aspects such as authentication, rate limiting, and request/response transformation.
Api Integration
API Integration is the process of linking or connecting different software systems or components using APIs to enable communication and data exchange.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines to perform tasks and solve problems that typically require human intelligence.
Authentication
Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system through the use of credentials, such as usernames and passwords.
Authorization
Authorization is the process of granting or denying access to specific resources or actions based on the authenticated identity and associated permissions.
Auto Scaling
Auto Scaling is a feature offered by cloud service providers that allows the automatic adjustment of computing resources based on predefined scaling policies or conditions.
Autoscaling
Autoscaling is the ability of a system or application to automatically adjust resources, such as compute instances, based on predefined conditions or metrics.
B
Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given amount of time, measured in bits per second.
Big Data
Big Data refers to extremely large and complex datasets that cannot be easily managed or processed using traditional data processing applications.
Business Continuity
Business Continuity refers to the planning and preparation of processes and resources to ensure that essential functions can continue during and after a disaster or crisis.
C
Chatops
ChatOps is a collaboration model that incorporates real-time messaging and chatbots to facilitate DevOps workflows and automate tasks within a cloud computing environment.
Cloud Backup
Cloud Backup is the process of copying and storing data in a cloud environment as a backup or protection against data loss, allowing for easy recovery in case of disasters or emergencies.
Cloud Bursting
Cloud bursting is the practice of dynamically scaling application workloads between private and public clouds to handle sudden spikes in demand.
Cloud Ci/Cd
Cloud CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery) is a software development practice that enables rapid and automated building, testing, and deployment of applications on cloud platforms.
Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing refers to the on-demand delivery of computing services over the internet.
Cloud Cost Management
Cloud Cost Management involves the monitoring, analysis, and optimization of cloud resource usage and expenditure to control and minimize cloud costs.
Cloud Governance
Cloud Governance involves the establishment and enforcement of policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance, security, and cost optimization in cloud computing.
Cloud Migration
Cloud Migration is the process of moving data, applications, and other business elements from an on-premises environment or one cloud platform to another.
Cloud Monitoring
Cloud Monitoring involves the collection, analysis, and visualization of cloud infrastructure and application performance data to ensure optimal performance, availability, and security.
Cloud Native
Cloud Native refers to an approach where applications are built and deployed using cloud computing principles, such as microservices, containers, and continuous delivery.
Cloud Orchestration
Cloud Orchestration is the coordination and management of multiple cloud services, applications, and resources to automate and optimize complex workflows.
Cloud Security
Cloud Security is a set of practices, technologies, and policies designed to protect cloud computing environments and data from security threats and breaches.
Cloud Service Provider (Csp)
A Cloud Service Provider (CSP) is a company or organization that offers cloud computing services and resources to other organizations or individuals.
Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage refers to the storage of data on remote servers accessed over the internet, providing scalable and durable storage options.
Compliance
Compliance refers to meeting specific legal, regulatory, or contractual requirements related to data privacy, security, and governance.
Containerization
Containerization is a lightweight virtualization technology that encapsulates an application and its dependencies into a standardized unit called a container.
Containers
Containers are lightweight, portable, and self-sufficient software packages that encapsulate an application and its dependencies, enabling consistent deployment across different environments.
Content Delivery Network
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a geographically distributed network of servers designed to deliver content efficiently to users.
Content Delivery Network (Cdn)
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a distributed system of servers that delivers web content to users based on their geographic location, improving the speed and performance of content delivery.
Continuous Deployment
Continuous Deployment is a practice where every code change that passes the automated tests is automatically deployed to production environments.
Continuous Integration
Continuous Integration (CI) is a development practice that involves frequently integrating code changes into a shared repository and running automated builds and tests.
Cost Optimization
Cost Optimization in cloud computing refers to the process of managing and reducing costs associated with cloud services and resources while ensuring desired performance and outcomes.
D
Data Analytics
Data Analytics is the process of examining large datasets to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that can be used to make informed business decisions.
Data Backup
Data Backup is the process of making copies of data and storing them securely in order to restore the data in case of loss, corruption, or accidental deletion.
Data Center
A Data Center is a facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as servers, networking equipment, and storage systems.
Data Encryption
Data Encryption is the process of converting data into a form that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized individuals, ensuring the confidentiality and security of the data.
Data Governance
Data Governance is a set of processes and policies that ensures data is created, stored, and used in a consistent, secure, and compliant manner.
Data Lake
A Data Lake is a centralized repository that stores both structured and unstructured data at any scale, allowing for high-speed processing and analysis.
Data Loss Prevention
Data loss prevention (DLP) is a set of practices and technologies used to prevent the unauthorized exposure, leakage, or loss of sensitive data.
Data Loss Prevention (Dlp)
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a set of security practices and technologies used to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data.
Data Migration
Data Migration is the process of transferring data from one storage system or format to another, often in the context of transitioning to a cloud environment.
Data Privacy
Data privacy concerns the protection of personal or sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Data Replication
Data Replication is the process of creating and maintaining multiple copies of data in different storage systems or geographic locations to ensure data availability and durability.
Data Science
Data Science refers to the extraction, cleaning, analysis, visualization, and interpretation of large and complex datasets to gain insights and support decision-making.
Data Security
Data Security refers to the protection of data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
Data Sovereignty
Data Sovereignty refers to the concept that data is subject to the laws and governance structures of the country or region in which it is physically stored.
Data Virtualization
Data Virtualization is the process of combining data from multiple sources and presenting it as a single, unified view, without physically moving or copying the data.
Data Warehouse
A Data Warehouse is a central repository that stores structured data collected from various sources, enabling efficient querying and analysis.
Deep Learning
Deep Learning is a subset of machine learning that utilizes artificial neural networks to model and understand complex patterns and relationships in data.
Devops
DevOps is a cultural and operational approach that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to deliver applications and services rapidly and reliably.
Disaster Recovery
Disaster Recovery is the process of restoring business operations after a disruptive event, such as a natural disaster or a cyber attack, occurs.
Distributed Computing
Distributed Computing is a model in which components of a system are located on different computers and communicate and coordinate their actions by passing messages.
E
Edge Computing
Edge Computing is a decentralized computing model where data processing and storage takes place near the edge of the network, closer to the source of data.
Elasticity
Elasticity in cloud computing refers to the ability to automatically scale computing resources up or down based on demand.
F
Fault Tolerance
Fault Tolerance refers to the ability of a system or service to remain operational and continue providing services in the event of a component failure or system disruption.
G
Governance
Governance involves establishing policies, procedures, and controls to ensure that resources and operations are managed effectively, efficiently, and in line with organizational objectives.
H
High Availability
High Availability refers to the ability of a system or service to remain operational and accessible despite failures or disruptions.
Horizontal Scaling
Horizontal Scaling, also known as scaling out, involves adding more instances of resources such as servers to increase capacity.
Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid Cloud is a cloud computing environment that combines both private and public cloud infrastructure, allowing data and applications to be shared between them.
Hybrid Integration Platform
A Hybrid Integration Platform is a suite of technologies and tools used to integrate applications, systems, and data across on-premises and cloud environments.
Hypervisor
A Hypervisor, also known as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), is software or firmware that creates and runs virtual machines.
I
Iaas
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.
Identity And Access Management (Iam)
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a framework and set of technologies used to ensure only authorized individuals can access resources and perform actions in a cloud computing environment.
Incident Management
Incident Management is a process for identifying, responding to, and resolving incidents or disruptions in cloud computing environments to minimize their impact on services.
Infrastructure As A Service (Iaas)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model where virtualized computing resources are provided over the internet.
Infrastructure Automation
Infrastructure automation involves the use of software-defined configurations and tools to automate the provisioning and management of IT infrastructure.
Internet Of Things
Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity to exchange data and perform actions.
Internet Of Things (Iot)
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity to enable data exchange and automation.
Internet Service Provider (Isp)
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company or organization that provides internet access to customers.
Interoperability
Interoperability is the ability of different systems, applications, or components to exchange and use information in a seamless and efficient manner.
L
Latency
Latency is the time delay between the moment a request is sent and the moment a response is received, influencing the responsiveness and performance of applications.
Load Balancing
Load Balancing is the process of distributing incoming network traffic across multiple servers to optimize resource utilization and ensure high availability.
M
Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a subset of AI that focuses on enabling machines to learn from data and improve their performance on specific tasks without being explicitly programmed.
Managed Services
Managed Services refer to the outsourcing of certain IT functions and responsibilities to a third-party service provider, who takes care of managing and maintaining those services.
Microservices
Microservices is a software architectural approach where applications are built as a collection of small, loosely coupled, and independently deployable services.
Monitoring
Monitoring in cloud computing involves the collection, analysis, and visualization of data related to the performance, health, and usage of cloud resources.
Multi-Cloud
Multi-Cloud refers to the use of multiple cloud computing providers or platforms to meet an organization's computing needs.
Multi-Tenancy
Multi-tenancy refers to a cloud computing model where multiple tenants share the same physical resources, such as servers or storage.
N
Network Virtualization
Network Virtualization is the process of abstracting and combining network resources, such as switches, routers, and firewalls, to create virtual networks that can be provisioned and managed independently.
O
Orchestration
Orchestration is the automated arrangement, coordination, and management of complex computer systems, services, and workflows.
P
Paas
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides a platform with features and tools used for application development, testing, deployment, and management.
Platform As A Service (Paas)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model where a platform is provided as a service over the internet, enabling developers to build and deploy applications.
Private Cloud
Private Cloud refers to a cloud computing environment that is dedicated solely to one organization, providing greater control and security.
Public Cloud
Public Cloud refers to a cloud computing environment where resources are owned and managed by a third-party cloud service provider.
R
Redundancy
Redundancy in cloud computing refers to the duplication of critical components or resources to ensure high availability and fault tolerance.
Replication
Data replication is the process of creating and maintaining duplicate copies of data in multiple storage locations to ensure data availability and integrity.
S
Saas
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing model that delivers applications over the internet, typically on a subscription basis.
Sandbox Environment
A Sandbox Environment is a controlled and isolated testing environment that allows developers to safely test new applications or changes.
Scalability
Scalability in cloud computing refers to the ability to increase or decrease the size or capacity of computing resources.
Server Consolidation
Server consolidation is the process of combining multiple physical servers into fewer virtual or cloud-based servers to reduce hardware costs and improve resource utilization.
Server Farm
A server farm is a collection of interconnected servers that work together to support various computing tasks and services.
Server Migration
Server Migration is the process of moving a server from one environment to another, such as from an on-premises data center to a cloud provider.
Server Park
A server park is a collection of dedicated servers that are used to provide specific services or applications within an organization's infrastructure.
Server Virtualization
Server Virtualization is the process of dividing a physical server into multiple virtual servers, each capable of running its own operating system and applications.
Serverless Architecture
Serverless Architecture is an architectural pattern where applications are built by using serverless computing services, which abstract away the need to manage servers or infrastructure.
Serverless Computing
Serverless Computing is a cloud computing model where applications are developed and executed without the need to manage or provision servers.
Serverless Database
A Serverless Database is a cloud-based database service that automatically scales, provisions, and manages the infrastructure required to store and retrieve data.
Serverless Function
A Serverless Function, also known as a Function as a Service (FaaS), is a self-contained, event-triggered piece of code that runs in a serverless computing environment.
Service Level Agreement
A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is a contract between a service provider and a customer that defines the level of service, support, and performance guarantees.
Service Level Agreement (Sla)
A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is a contractual agreement between a service provider and a customer that defines the expected level of service, including performance, availability, and support metrics.
Single Sign-On (Sso)
Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication process that allows users to access multiple applications and systems with a single set of credentials.
Software As A Service (Saas)
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing model where software applications are provided as a service over the internet.
Software Development Lifecycle
The software development lifecycle (SDLC) is a structured approach to developing, testing, and deploying software applications.
T
Thin Client
A thin client is a lightweight computer or software application that relies on the resources and processing power of a server or cloud-based environment.
V
Vendor Lock-In
Vendor Lock-In is a situation in which a customer is dependent on a particular vendor's products or services and faces difficulties in switching to alternatives.
Vertical Scaling
Vertical Scaling, also known as scaling up, involves increasing the capacity of existing resources such as servers.
Virtual Machine
A virtual machine (VM) is a software emulation of a physical computer, running an operating system and applications.
Virtual Private Cloud (Vpc)
A Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) is a virtual network dedicated to a specific cloud computing environment, isolated from other virtual networks.
Virtualization
Virtualization is the process of creating virtual versions of physical resources, such as servers, storage, or networks.