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Cloud computing

nounverified·updated May 9, 2026

A model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable IT capabilities/ resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. It allows users to access technology-based services from the network cloud without knowledge of, expertise with, or control over the technology infrastructure that supports them. This cloud model is composed of five essential characteristics (on-demand self-service, ubiquitous network access, location independent resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service); three service delivery models (Cloud Software as a Service [SaaS], Cloud Platform as a Service [PaaS], and Cloud Infrastructure as a Service [IaaS]); and four models for enterprise access (Private cloud, Community cloud, Public cloud, and Hybrid cloud). Note: Both the user's data and essential security services may reside in and be managed within the network cloud.

MWENISTIR 7298: Glossary of Key Information Security Terms, Revision 2

Senses

National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) Cybersecurity Lexicon

A model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing capabilities or resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

ISACA Cybersecurity Glossary

Convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction

Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) IT Examination Handbook Infobase, Glossary

Generally a migration from owned resources to shared resources in which client users receive information technology services on demand from third-party service providers via the Internet "cloud." In cloud environments, a client or customer relocates its resources — such as data, applications, and services — to computing facilities outside the corporate firewall, which the end user then accesses via the Internet.

NIST SP 800-171r3attested usage pack match

No definition is given in NIST SP 800-171r3. The term is attested in use at 1 citation in that document; a definition is pending curation.

Classifications

Entity Type

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Sensitivity

unclassified

Information Class

unclassified

Variants

plural
Cloud computings
possessive
Cloud computing's
pluralpossessive
Cloud computings'