A model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. This cloud model promotes availability and is composed of five essential characteristics (On-demand self-service, Broad network access, Resource pooling, Rapid elasticity, and Measured Service); three service models (Cloud Software as a Service [SaaS], Cloud Platform as a Service [PaaS], Cloud Infrastructure as a Service [IaaS]); and, four deployment models (Private cloud, Community cloud, Public cloud, Hybrid cloud). Key enabling technologies for cloud computing include: (1) fast wide-area networks; (2) powerful, inexpensive server computers; and (3) high-performance virtualization for commodity hardware.
Retrieved from NIST SP 800-145. (2018). https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-145/final