Cloud computing has become a cornerstone of modern technology, with numerous research findings being published across various disciplines. To navigate this extensive body of work, it is essential to understand the common abbreviations used in cloud computing research. This article aims to decode some of the most frequently encountered abbreviations, providing a clearer understanding of the research findings.

Common Abbreviations in Cloud Computing Research

1. IAAS, PAAS, and SAAS

  • IAAS (Infrastructure as a Service): This refers to cloud computing services that provide virtualized computing resources over the internet. IAAS providers offer hardware, software, and storage resources to customers, who can access and use these resources as needed.
  • PAAS (Platform as a Service): PAAS provides a platform for developing, running, and managing applications over the internet. It includes an operating system, database, web server, and other components that allow developers to focus on their applications rather than the underlying infrastructure.
  • SAAS (Software as a Service): SAAS delivers software applications over the internet, allowing users to access and use the software through a web browser. The software is hosted by the service provider, who manages the infrastructure and updates.

2. VM, HVM, and PV

  • VM (Virtual Machine): A VM is a software emulation of a physical computer, capable of running an operating system and applications. VMs are used in cloud computing to provide isolation and flexibility in managing resources.
  • HVM (Hardware-assisted Virtual Machine): HVMs are VMs that leverage hardware support for virtualization, such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V. This allows for better performance and more efficient use of resources.
  • PV (Para-Virtualized): PV VMs are designed to work with a specific host operating system and kernel. They are generally faster than HVMs but offer less flexibility.

3. IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS

These abbreviations are similar to IAAS, PAAS, and SAAS, but with lowercase letters. They are often used interchangeably, and the difference in capitalization is more a matter of style than semantics.

4. SDC, IaaS, and PaaS

  • SDC (Software-Defined Computing): SDC is a computing model that abstracts the underlying hardware and software resources and allows for automated and dynamic management of these resources. It is used in cloud computing to provide greater flexibility and efficiency.
  • IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): As previously described, IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.
  • PaaS (Platform as a Service): PaaS provides a platform for developing, running, and managing applications over the internet.

5. DaaS, IaaS, and PaaS

These abbreviations are also similar to IAAS, PAAS, and SAAS, but with the addition of “DaaS” (Desktop as a Service). DaaS is a cloud computing service that provides virtual desktops to users over the internet.

Conclusion

Understanding the abbreviations used in cloud computing research is crucial for interpreting and comparing findings. By familiarizing yourself with the common abbreviations, you can better navigate the extensive body of research in this field.