Cloud Computing Glossary

Using someone else's computers over the internet instead of buying and maintaining your own hardware. Like renting a car instead of buying one.

Companies that own massive computer centers and rent out computing power. Think of them as tech landlords.

A fake computer that runs inside a real computer. It's like having multiple phones running on one device.

Amazon Web Services - Amazon's cloud computing platform that provides over 200 different services. Like a massive digital toolbox for building online applications.

Elastic Compute Cloud - Amazon's service for renting virtual computers in the cloud. Like renting a computer by the hour instead of buying one.

AWS's serverless computing service that runs your code without managing servers. Like having a helper who appears whenever you need them to do a specific task.

Microsoft's cloud computing platform offering hundreds of services for building, deploying, and managing applications. Like Microsoft's version of a digital toolbox.

Google's cloud computing services that help you build, deploy, and scale applications using Google's infrastructure. Like using Google's massive computer network for your projects.

Running code without managing servers yourself - the cloud provider handles all the server management. Like ordering takeout instead of cooking at home.

Cloud services available over the internet to anyone who wants to use them, shared among multiple organizations. Like renting an apartment in a building where multiple tenants share infrastructure.

Cloud infrastructure dedicated exclusively to one organization, offering more control and security. Like owning your own private building instead of renting shared space.

Using both private (on-premises) and public cloud services together. Like having both a home kitchen and ordering takeout - using the best option for each situation.

Temporarily shifting workloads from private cloud to public cloud during peak demand periods. Like a restaurant opening an outdoor patio when they're too busy to handle customers inside.

AWS platform service that handles deployment and management of web applications. Like having a personal assistant handle all the technical setup while you focus on your code.

Automatically adjusting the number of servers based on demand. Like a restaurant that opens more tables during busy hours and closes them when it's quiet.

Azure platform for hosting web applications, REST APIs, and mobile backends. Like renting a fully-furnished office space where you can immediately start working without setup.

Google Cloud's platform for building and hosting web applications without managing servers. Like renting a fully-managed restaurant kitchen where you just need to provide the recipes.

Azure serverless compute service that runs code in response to events. Like having a helper that automatically does specific tasks whenever certain things happen.

Google's mobile and web application development platform with real-time database and hosting. Like having a complete backend service that handles all server-side needs for mobile apps.

Using services from multiple cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in and optimize performance. Like shopping at different stores to get the best deals and products.

Building applications using cloud services that automatically manage servers and scaling. Like focusing on cooking while someone else handles the kitchen management.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure - Oracle's comprehensive cloud platform offering compute, storage, networking, and database services. Like Oracle's complete digital toolkit for building and running applications.

AWS managed service for securely connecting IoT devices to the cloud, with features for device authentication, message routing, and device shadow state management. Like a central command center that manages billions of device connections and routes their messages to appropriate cloud services.

AWS IoT Edge runtime that extends cloud capabilities to local devices, enabling them to act locally on data while still using the cloud for management and analytics. Like having a local manager at each location who can make immediate decisions while still reporting to headquarters.

Azure's managed cloud service for bi-directional communication between IoT applications and devices, with built-in device identity registry and security features. Like a sophisticated switchboard operator that manages millions of simultaneous device conversations securely.

Azure service that deploys cloud workloads to run on IoT devices locally, enabling artificial intelligence and analytics at the edge. Like having a mini data center at each location that can process data instantly without waiting for cloud connectivity.

Google Cloud's fully managed service for securely connecting and managing IoT devices at scale. Note: Google Cloud deprecated this service in August 2023, recommending migration to partner solutions or third-party IoT platforms. Like a postal service that closed down, directing customers to alternative delivery services.

Oracle Cloud's IoT platform service for connecting, analyzing, and integrating device data with enterprise applications and databases. Like a specialized bridge that connects factory floor devices directly to your business systems and Oracle databases.

Cloud-based virtual representation of an IoT device that stores its last known state and desired future state, enabling applications to interact with devices even when they're offline. Like leaving a note for someone who's away, so they know what to do when they return.

Google Cloud's serverless compute service that runs code in response to events. Like having helpers that automatically spring into action when specific things happen.

Google Cloud serverless platform for running containerized applications. Like having a hosting service that automatically adjusts resources based on demand.

Automatically switching to a backup system when the primary system fails. Like a backup generator kicking in instantly when the power goes out.

Returning operations to the primary system after it has been restored. Like moving back home after evacuation when it's safe to return.

Backup system that's fully running and ready to take over instantly if the primary system fails. Like having a second pilot ready to take the controls immediately.

Backup system that's partially running and can take over quickly but not instantly. Like having a car engine that's warmed up but not fully running.

Backup system that's not running and requires manual setup to activate. Like spare equipment in storage that needs installation before use.

Architecture where multiple systems run simultaneously and share the workload. Like having two engines powering one plane at the same time.

Architecture where one system actively handles traffic while backup systems wait on standby. Like having a backup quarterback ready to enter the game if needed.

Disaster Recovery Site - alternate location where operations can continue if the primary site becomes unavailable. Like a backup office ready to use if your main building is damaged.

Oracle's virtual machine service providing scalable compute resources. Like renting a powerful computer in Oracle's data center that you can configure for any workload.

Oracle's serverless compute service for running code without managing servers. Like having helpers that automatically appear to do specific tasks when needed.

Using someone else's computers over the internet for specific tasks instead of doing everything on your own device. Like renting specialized equipment instead of buying it.

Applications that run on cloud servers instead of entirely on your device. Like using a tool that exists in a workshop you can visit anytime, rather than owning the tool yourself.

Automatically keeping your files updated and identical across all your devices through the cloud. Like having magic filing cabinets that instantly copy changes to all your other cabinets.

Accessing your files, programs, or computer from a different location using the internet. Like being able to use your home computer while you're at the office.

The ability to automatically get more computing power when needed and less when not needed. Like a restaurant that can instantly add more tables during busy times and remove them when quiet.

The ability to dynamically and automatically adjust cloud resources up or down based on actual demand in real-time. Like a balloon that expands and contracts based on how much air you put in.

Using the same service or accessing the same files from different devices like phones, tablets, and computers. Like having keys that work on all your doors.

How consistently a cloud service stays available and working properly. Like how dependable your electricity or water service is at home.

Different cloud services working together seamlessly to create a better user experience. Like having all your home appliances connected and coordinated.

Infrastructure as a Service - renting basic computing resources like servers and storage from cloud providers. Like leasing an empty warehouse where you bring your own equipment and setup.

Platform as a Service - cloud platform that provides development tools and infrastructure so you can focus on building applications. Like renting a fully equipped kitchen where you just cook without worrying about maintaining appliances.

Software as a Service - using software applications over the internet without installing them on your computer. Like using Netflix instead of buying DVDs - you access the service, not own the software.

Function as a Service - running individual code functions in the cloud without managing servers. Like hiring a specialist to perform one specific task only when needed.

Managing and provisioning cloud infrastructure using code files instead of manual configuration. Like having a recipe that automatically builds your entire kitchen setup.

A geographic location where cloud providers have data centers. Like different cities where a company has branch offices - you choose the one closest to your customers.

Isolated data centers within a cloud region that provide backup and redundancy. Like having multiple bank branches in the same city - if one has problems, others keep working.

GCP managed build service that can both compile code and orchestrate deployment workflows. Like a versatile automation system that can handle the entire journey from source code to running application.

GCP service for advanced deployment orchestration with support for progressive rollouts and approval gates. Like a sophisticated deployment manager that carefully rolls out changes with safety checks.

Microsoft Azure's unified CI/CD platform that combines build execution and deployment orchestration in one YAML-based service. Like an all-in-one automation suite that handles everything from code compilation to production deployment.

Oracle Cloud's managed build service for automated code compilation, testing, and artifact creation. Like a quality control station that ensures code is properly built and tested before deployment.

Oracle Cloud's deployment orchestration service supporting automated deployments with rolling updates, blue-green strategies, and approval gates. Like a deployment coordinator that safely manages how new versions reach production.

Moving applications, data, or infrastructure from one environment to another, such as from on-premises servers to the cloud or between cloud providers. Like relocating a business to a new building while keeping everything running.