Cloud computing refers to the provision of computational resources on demand via a computer network. In the traditional model of computing, both data and software are fully contained on the user's computer; in cloud computing, the user's computer may contain almost no software or data (perhaps a minimal operating system and web browser only), serving as little more than a display terminal for processes occurring on a network of computers far away. A common shorthand for a provider's cloud computing service (or even an aggregation of all existing cloud services) is "The Cloud". The most common analogy to explain cloud computing is that of public utilities such as electricity, gas, and water. Just as centralized and standardized utilities free individuals from the difficulties of generating electricity or pumping water, cloud computing frees users from certain hardware and software installation and maintenance tasks through the use of simpler hardware that accesses a vast network of computing resources (processors, hard drives, etc.). The sharing of resources reduces the cost to individuals. This book is your ultimate resource for Cloud Computing. Here you will find the most up-to-date information and much more. In easy to read chapters, with extensive references and links to get you to know all there is to know about Cloud Computing right away: ActiveVideo Networks, Advanced 365, AirSet, Amazon Virtual Private Cloud, Apache Hadoop, Apache Hama, Apache Hive, Appirio, Attenda, BigCouch, C-RAN, C12G, Centralized computing, Cisco Unified Computing System, Clesh, Cloud (operating system), Cloud acceleration, Cloud API, Cloud backup, Cloud communications, Cloud Computing Manifesto, Cloud computing security, Cloud engineering, Cloud gaming, Cloud testing, Cloud.bg, Cloudant, Cloudera, Cloudkick, CloudSigma, CloudTV, Codeita, ContractExpress, Cooperative storage cloud, Danger Hiptop, Datameer, Deltacloud, Elastic computing, ElasticHosts, Fabasoft Folio Cloud, Fabric computing, Fast And Secure Protocol, Firefox Sync, FORscene, Freightgate, Gigya, Gluster, Granular Configuration Automation, High performance cloud computing, Hosted desktop, IBM/Google Cloud Computing University Initiative, INCITE, Infrastructure as a Service, Integrated Cloud Service Management, Intercloud, List of cloud computing providers, List of rich Internet application formats, List of rich Internet application frameworks, Lynkos, Message queuing service, Mobile Cloud Computing, Mozilla Skywriter, Native cloud application, Nebula (computing platform), Nivio, Novell Cloud Security Service, Open Cloud Computing Interface, Open Data Center Alliance, Open Mashup Alliance, Oracle Exalogic, Pegasystems, Pidoco, Pig (programming language), Platform as a service, Nimbus Plug Computer, Plug computer, ProActive, Project Kenai, Proofpoint Systems, Inc, Riak, Rich Internet application, RightNow Technologies, Rollbase, RPath, SaaS data escrow, Sector/Sphere, Single-chip Cloud Computer, Software as a service, StaffCloud, Steam (software), Sun Cloud, Symantec Operations Readiness Tools, TOA Technologies, Torry Harris Business Solutions, VCloud, Veracode, VideoCells, Virtual private cloud, WaveMaker, WebORB Integration Server, Windows Games on Demand, Zembly. Contains selected content from the highest rated entries, typeset, printed and shipped, combining the advantages of up-to-date and in-depth knowledge with the convenience of printed books. A portion of the proceeds of each book will be donated to the Wikimedia Foundation to support their mission.