You might already know what Cloud Computing means, but there is a lot of lingo surrounding the concept and gaining a clear understanding might seem a bit foggy.

To hop into the cloud computing conversation and clear some of the “clouds,” it is smart to know a few key terms, which will get you into the conversation and allow you to understand what’s going on and hold your own (that is, of course, unless you are conversing with cloud geniuses, then I suggest you read all of these articles!).

Let’s start here:

1. [the] Cloud – A term commonly used as a synonym for the Internet.
The idea is that the “cloud” is the Internet, which includes all the information, data, and applications that exist electronically – the intangible. The cloud was originally used to reference the telephone network.

2. Computing – The act of using computer hardware and software.
Computing is basically any act using a mobile phone, desktop, laptop, tablet (and the like) to access programs and applications.

Combine them and we get…

3. Cloud Computing -The act of accessing software, services and data storage, in real-time using the Internet; applications and data stay and operate via the Internet in lieu of a hard drive.
In general, cloud computing helps companies and the end-user by allowing access to new capabilities, or increasing storage capacity, without a complete overhaul of an existing internal infrastructure or complex personnel training.

If you got those, let’s keep going…

4. CDN  (Content delivery network) — A CDN is a system of servers storing and distributing data and information throughout the Internet.
CDNs serve content quickly and efficiently to end-users by allowing end-users to access the data via the closest server containing that data. CDNs typically serve as a supplement to a companies’ existing infrastructure to alleviate some of the use of the bandwidth and allow quicker access to live streaming media, ecommerce, downloadable content, and web objects.

5. Cloud broker – A thid-party entity that serves as a liaison between cloud service customers and cloud service providers, and helps customers choose the option best-suited for their needs.
Cloud brokers can be integral when getting started using cloud services. The options can be overwhelming and there are a number of solutions – each suited for various situations based on intended use and other determining factors.

6. Cloud operating system – A computer operating system designed to run in a provider’s datacenter and to be delivered to the user via the Internet or another network. 
The term can refer to cloud-based client operating systems (ie. Google’s Chrome OS).

7. Cloud portability – The ability to move everything stored in the cloud (such as applications, programs, and data) to a new cloud provider.
If another cloud provider becomes a better solution, there can be a smooth transition to make the switch.

8. Cloud provider - A company providing cloud-based services – platform, infrastructure, application, or storage – to companies, organizations, and/or individuals.
Cloud providers can offer a variety of the listed capabilities or specialize in specific functionalities.

9. Cloud storage - A service providing offsite storage of content, which is uploaded via the Internet or another network.
Cloud storage provides extra capacity beyond what can be stored within hardware, and the content can generally be accessed when a network connection is available. This also allows multiple users to grab the content from the cloud storage service, extending accessibility.

10. Cloudsourcing – This refers to substituting or supplementing some IT services with cloud-based solutions.
Cloudsourcing is a growing trend in all size companies and allows more flexibility and expanded services without huge changes.

11. Cloudstorming – Providing successful connections between multiple cloud computing environments.
This is important for companies that may use more than one service or requires access of data/content in various ways.

12. External cloud – Public or private cloud services powered by a third party.
These cloud services usually charge a fee for use and some can be customized to fit companies’ needs and integrate with other services.

13. Hybrid cloud – A networking environment including more than one integrated internal and/or external providers.
A hybrid cloud could be the best solution based on a companies’ variety of service and functionality needs.

14. Internal cloud – A private cloud service provided and/or created by an internal IT department and used by that organization.
An internal cloud can be an optimal solution for organizations and companies needing a completely customized solution, or having highly confidential and secure information. This option could provide control and more flexibility with a quicker turnaround time, and/or increased flexibility for complex functionalities.

15. Private cloud – Services available via the Internet or a private to an internal network (and selected users); these services are NOT available to the public.

16.Public cloud – Services offered over via the Internet and available to those who purchase and choose to access the service.
There are many cloud services available right now, each providing various functionalities and services, which should be reviewed by the user prior to purchasing.

17. SaaS – Software as a service — Cloud application services delivering applications via the Internet so they are not installed and stored on a user’s computers; previously referred to as ASP (application service providers).

This is enough to get you started. Plenty more to come…