We talk from time to time here about cloud computing, but I don't know that I've ever stopped to define it. Now, thanks to Irving Wladawsky-Berger, I won't have to do so. He covers it quite soundly in his post, "What is Cloud Computing, Anyway?"

The definition put forth contains these key themes. Cloud computing refers to:

• Well designed consumer and business services.
• Massive scalability.
• Well engineered delivery centers.
• The applications hide the underlying hardware and software.
• Friendlier versions of grid computing and utility computing.

The article has several useful links to other articles that round out your understanding. If you're looking to learn more about this Second Circle Innovation, I recommend this article as a great resource.

Find the full article here.