Cloud computing providers: Characteristics and recommendations

Abstract

This paper deals with the current reality of cloud computing: First, based on a historical analysis, the core characteristics of cloud computing are summarized and joined together in a general definition; then, two classifications of cloud computing are presented. These results are used to assess the existing cloud computing providers. A sample of success stories is analyzed to find out which benefits were realized by current cloud computing consumers, and we contrast our findings with the ones of other empirical investigations. Finally, the risks of cloud computing are collected from the relevant literature to derive some recommendations. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.