Cloud Computing Basics Explained

SEI Report
This paper seeks to help organizations understand cloud computing essentials, including drivers for and barriers to adoption.
Publisher

Software Engineering Institute

Abstract

What is cloud computing and how can an organization decide whether to adopt it? An organization needs to weigh the cost, benefits, and risks of cloud computing in determining whether to adopt it as an IT strategy. This paper seeks to help organizations understand cloud computing essentials, including drivers for and barriers to adoption, in support of making decisions about adopting the approach.

Cite This SEI Report

Lewis, G. (2010, September 30). Cloud Computing Basics Explained. Retrieved September 14, 2026, from https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/cloud-computing-basics-explained/.

@techreport{lewis_2010,
author={Lewis, Grace},
title={Cloud Computing Basics Explained},
month={Sep},
year={2010},
institution={Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University},
url={https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/cloud-computing-basics-explained/},
note={Accessed: 2026-Sep-14}
}

Lewis, Grace. "Cloud Computing Basics Explained." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, September 30, 2010. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/cloud-computing-basics-explained/.

G. Lewis, "Cloud Computing Basics Explained," Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, 30-Sep-2010 [Online]. Available: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/cloud-computing-basics-explained/. [Accessed: 14-Sep-2026].

Lewis, Grace. "Cloud Computing Basics Explained." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, 30 Sep. 2010. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/cloud-computing-basics-explained/. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

Lewis, Grace. Cloud Computing Basics Explained. Software Engineering Institute. 2010. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/cloud-computing-basics-explained/