Introduction to Cloud Transformation Management
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Cloud Transformation Management course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Agile methodology #
A project management and product development approach that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. It involves iterative progress, continuous feedback, and rapid adaptation to changes. Agile is often used in cloud transformation projects to manage uncertain requirements and enable quick response to market demands.
API (Application Programming Interface) #
A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs enable seamless data exchange and interaction between cloud services, applications, and platforms. They are crucial for integrating and managing cloud-based systems and components.
Cloud adoption framework #
A structured approach to help organizations plan, implement, and manage their transition to the cloud. It provides guidelines, best practices, and tools to assess readiness, migrate workloads, and optimize cloud usage. Examples include Microsoft's Cloud Adoption Framework and AWS's Well-Architected Framework.
Cloud broker #
An entity that manages the use, performance, and delivery of cloud services on behalf of consumers. A cloud broker can help organizations optimize costs, ensure compliance, and provide a unified experience across multiple cloud providers.
Cloud bursting #
A hybrid cloud strategy that allows organizations to dynamically scale their on-premises infrastructure to a public cloud during periods of high demand. This approach helps ensure application performance and availability without overprovisioning resources.
Cloud governance #
The processes, policies, and standards that guide the management and oversight of cloud computing resources. Cloud governance aims to ensure security, compliance, and cost efficiency while enabling business agility and innovation.
Cloud migration #
The process of moving applications, data, and infrastructure from on-premises or legacy systems to the cloud. Cloud migration can involve various strategies such as lift-and-shift, re-platforming, or refactoring, depending on the organization's goals and requirements.
Cloud operating model #
The organizational structure, processes, and culture needed to effectively manage cloud-based services and resources. A cloud operating model should align with the organization's overall strategy and goals, and it should enable collaboration, automation, and continuous improvement.
Cloud service provider (CSP) #
A company that offers cloud-based services, such as infrastructure, platform, or software as a service. Examples of CSPs include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and IBM Cloud.
Cloud storage #
A service that enables organizations to store, manage, and access data and applications in the cloud. Cloud storage can be used for backup, archiving, or primary data storage, and it offers benefits such as scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency.
Containers #
Lightweight, portable virtualization technology that allows applications to run consistently across different environments. Containers, such as Docker, can help organizations package, distribute, and manage applications in the cloud, enabling faster deployment and easier scaling.
DevOps #
A set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and operations (Ops) to improve collaboration, automation, and feedback loops. DevOps aims to reduce the time and effort required to deliver high-quality software, making it an essential component of cloud transformation management.
Disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS) #
A cloud-based solution that provides backup, recovery, and continuity services in the event of a disaster or system failure. DRaaS helps organizations minimize downtime, protect data, and ensure business continuity in the face of unexpected events.
Hybrid cloud #
A computing environment that combines on-premises, private cloud, and public cloud services with orchestration between the different platforms. Hybrid cloud enables organizations to leverage the benefits of each deployment model while maintaining flexibility and control over their IT resources.
Infrastructure as code (IaC) #
The practice of managing and provisioning infrastructure resources using machine-readable definition files rather than manual processes. IaC enables automation, version control, and consistent deployment of infrastructure components, making it an essential tool for cloud transformation management.
Kubernetes #
An open-source platform for managing containerized applications and services. Kubernetes provides features such as automated scaling, self-healing, and load balancing, making it a popular choice for managing complex cloud-native applications.
Microservices #
An architectural style that structures applications as a collection of small, independent services that communicate via APIs. Microservices enable organizations to develop, deploy, and scale applications more efficiently, making them well-suited for cloud-based environments.
Multi #
cloud: A strategy that involves using multiple cloud providers or deployment models to distribute workloads and leverage the unique benefits of each platform. Multi-cloud enables organizations to optimize costs, improve performance, and enhance disaster recovery capabilities.
Platform as a service (PaaS) #
A cloud computing model that provides a complete development and deployment environment for applications, including infrastructure, middleware, and tools. PaaS enables organizations to focus on application development and delivery without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.
Security as a service (SECaaS) #
A cloud-based security model that provides organizations with security tools and services, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and data encryption, on a subscription basis. SECaaS helps organizations address the challenges of securing cloud-based resources and applications.
Serverless computing #
A cloud computing model that enables organizations to build and run applications without managing servers or infrastructure. Serverless computing provides automatic scaling, high availability, and pay-per-use pricing, making it an attractive option for cloud-native applications.
Service level agreement (SLA) #
A contractual agreement between a cloud service provider and a customer that outlines the performance, availability, and support expectations for the provided service. SLAs help ensure that cloud services meet the organization's requirements and provide a basis for resolving disputes or issues.
Software as a service (SaaS) #
A cloud computing model that provides software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. SaaS enables organizations to access and use applications without the need for local installation, maintenance, or support.
Virtual machine (VM) #
A software-based implementation of a physical computer that can run its own operating system and applications. VMs enable organizations to create isolated, scalable, and portable computing environments, making them a popular choice for cloud-based workloads.
Virtual private cloud (VPC) #
A logically isolated section of a public cloud environment that provides dedicated resources and network infrastructure for an organization. VPCs enable organizations to extend their on-premises networks to the cloud, ensuring security, privacy, and control over cloud-based resources.
Workload migration #
The process of moving workloads, such as applications, data, or services, from one environment to another. Workload migration can involve various strategies, such as rehosting, re-platforming, or refactoring, depending on the organization's goals and requirements.