The term cloud computing induces about 90% of the population into a state of confusion. However, this doesn't have to be the case. With the help of this brief glossary, you'll have no problem sorting your PaaS from your IaaS and more...
SaaS is an acronym standing for Software as a Service. SaaS refers to cloud applications run over the internet. The advantage of doing this is that cloud applications do not have to be installed or run on the user's computer. Popular examples of SaaS are web based email clients and twitter. Many people use SaaS services without realising.
PaaS is an acronym standing for platform as a service. PaaS refers to cloud platform services, in effect; this means that operating systems and associated services can be delivered over the internet as a cloud service.
IaaS is an acronym standing for infrastructure as a service. IaaS refers to the equipment needed to support IT operations being provided as a service over the internet. This equipment includes but is not limited to storage, servers, hardware and networking components. IaaS is sometimes referred to as HaaS or Hardware as a Service, although this is not as common as it once was.
A Datacentre is a (usually purpose built) facility used to house computing equipment and any associated components. Data Centre's usually contain climate control and back-up power supplies to ensure the efficient and continuous operation of the equipment housed within. Another feature of data centres is that they are highly secure, with high-level physical and digital security.
Online Backup or Cloud Backup as it's sometimes referred as, is the process of digitally backing up your documents or files over an internet connection onto remote hardware.
VoIP is an acronym standing for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a method of transferring voice data over the internet to replicate a telephone service. VoIP is delivered as a service, usually from OTT (Over the Top) clients such as Skype. For a VoIP call to be good quality, a fast internet connection is needed.
SIP Trunks are, in effect, virtual phone lines that operate through your computer and broadband connection for use when making VoIP calls. They should be thought of as the virtual equivalent to copper wiring in the ground.
Cloud Hosting, sometimes referred to cloud server hosting is a service in which hosting is made available to clients over an internet connection. Cloud hosting differs from other types of hosting in one key way. Instead of being hosted on a single server, cloud hosting uses a number of connected servers to form a pool of resource that a number of clients can draw from.
Cloud App is an abbreviation of the term cloud application and is a term used to describe a piece of computer software that is not run or installed locally, but is instead delivered as a service across the internet. An example of this could be Microsoft Office 365, an internet based version of Microsoft office. For more information on this concept, please see SaaS (Software as a Service).
SLA is an acronym standing for Service Level Agreement. While SLAs aren't exclusive to cloud services, they are particularly relevant. A SLA is a contractual agreement between 2 or more parties and acts as a guarantee in regards to the level of service that is to be provided. In cloud computing, availability, reliability and security are 3 key areas to consider.
Thanks for reading the glossary; I hope it has been of some help.