Are Cloud Taxonomies Simple or Complex?

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Much has been written about the different types of cloud taxonomies. In some ways it reminds me of the SOA confusion from 5-8 years ago where everyone was trying to label something as being “SOA” and “not SOA”. As an architect I favor simplicity – this includes cloud taxonomies. Thus, I view cloud taxonomies as follows:

Cloud taxonomies consist of a Service model and a Hosting Model.

  • Service model - There are three service models: SAAS, IAAS and PAAS. 
    • Everything else is a scenario that falls into one of these three models (e.g. *AAS)
  • Hosting model - There are two hosting models: Public and Private.
    • Virtualization is an implementation choice within one of these models.

Your feedback and flames are welcome…