Understanding the NIST model of cloud computing: A beginner’s guide
Cloud computing has become a buzzword in today’s digital world. As more and more companies are moving towards cloud-based IT solutions, it is important to understand the basics of cloud computing. One such popular framework is the NIST model of cloud computing. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the NIST cloud computing model in detail and understand its various components.
What is the NIST model of cloud computing?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developed the cloud computing model in order to provide a common vocabulary and understanding for cloud-based solutions. According to NIST, cloud computing is defined as 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.
The 5 components of the NIST cloud computing model
The NIST model of cloud computing is made up of 5 essential components that all cloud-based solutions should have:
1. On-demand self-service: This refers to the ability of a user to provision computing resources such as server time and network storage without the need for human interaction with the service provider.
2. Broad network access: Cloud computing solutions should be accessible over the network through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets.
3. Resource pooling: Computing resources such as storage, processing, memory, and network bandwidth are pooled to serve multiple users with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned in real-time.
4. Rapid elasticity: Cloud computing resources can scale out or scale back in response to demand, allowing for efficient use of resources and for users to only pay for what they consume.
5. Measured service: Cloud computing solutions should have the ability to measure the resources consumed, typically in terms of storage, processing power, bandwidth, and active user accounts.
Why is the NIST model important?
The NIST model of cloud computing is important because it provides a framework for understanding cloud-based solutions and how they work. It enables companies to assess their own cloud-based solutions against a common standard and know if they have all the essential components required for a cloud-based solution. In addition, it enables comparison and selection among different cloud service providers, allowing companies to choose the provider that best meets their needs.
Real-world examples of the NIST model in action
One example of a company using the NIST model of cloud computing is Netflix. Netflix leverages cloud-based servers from Amazon Web Services (AWS) to run their video-streaming service. Netflix can scale up as needed to meet customer demand, but can also scale down to save on costs during off-peak hours.
Another example is Salesforce, which offers cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software. Salesforce allows companies to customize their own CRM solutions, providing on-demand and flexible access to computing resources as needed.
Conclusion
The NIST model of cloud computing is a useful framework for understanding how cloud-based solutions operate. Companies that want to move to the cloud or assess their current cloud solutions can use this model to ensure that they have all the essential components that make up a cloud-based solution. By leveraging cloud-based solutions, companies can scale their resources according to demand, streamline their operations, and save on costs.
