The term 'Cloud Broker' is a significant part of the broader Cloud Computing lexicon. As a software engineer, understanding this term and its implications is crucial to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of cloud technology. This glossary entry will delve into the comprehensive details of the term 'Cloud Broker', its definition, explanation, history, use cases, and specific examples.
Cloud Brokers are entities that manage the use, performance, and delivery of cloud services, and negotiate relationships between cloud providers and cloud consumers. They act as an intermediary between the two, providing value-added services to enhance cloud computing capabilities. This glossary entry will provide a comprehensive understanding of the term, its implications, and its role in the cloud computing ecosystem.
Definition of Cloud Broker
The term 'Cloud Broker' was first defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as an entity that manages the use, performance, and delivery of cloud services, and negotiates relationships between cloud providers and cloud consumers. In other words, a Cloud Broker acts as a middleman between a cloud service provider and the end-user, providing a layer of services that enhance and customize the cloud experience for the end-user.
Cloud Brokers can be third-party entities or they can be embedded within the same organization as the cloud consumer. They provide value-added services such as access to multiple cloud services, integration, aggregation, customization, and enhanced security. The goal of a Cloud Broker is to simplify the cloud journey for the end-user and to ensure that the cloud services are used in a way that provides maximum value to the business.
Types of Cloud Brokers
Cloud Brokers can be categorized into three main types: Cloud Service Intermediation, Cloud Service Aggregation, and Cloud Service Arbitrage. Cloud Service Intermediation brokers add value to a customer���s cloud experience by offering additional services on top of a cloud provider���s offerings. These services could include identity or access management, performance monitoring, or enhanced security.
Cloud Service Aggregation brokers, on the other hand, combine multiple services into one or more new services. They provide the integration and customization needed to use multiple services together. Lastly, Cloud Service Arbitrage brokers provide flexibility and options by offering services across multiple providers and allowing the user to switch between them as needed.
Explanation of Cloud Broker
Cloud Brokers play a critical role in the cloud computing ecosystem. They act as intermediaries between cloud service providers and end-users, providing a layer of services that enhance the cloud experience for the end-user. These services can include access to multiple cloud services, integration, aggregation, customization, and enhanced security.
Cloud Brokers can provide a range of benefits to businesses. They can help businesses to navigate the complex cloud market, select the best cloud services for their needs, and manage their cloud services effectively. They can also provide businesses with access to a wider range of services, help to reduce costs, and improve the performance and reliability of cloud services.
Role of Cloud Brokers
Cloud Brokers serve as a bridge between cloud service providers and end-users. They help to simplify the cloud journey for businesses by providing a range of value-added services. These services can include access to multiple cloud services, integration, aggregation, customization, and enhanced security.
Cloud Brokers also play a crucial role in managing the performance and delivery of cloud services. They monitor the performance of cloud services, ensure that they are delivered efficiently, and manage any issues that arise. This can help to ensure that businesses are able to make the most of their cloud services and achieve their business objectives.
History of Cloud Broker
The concept of Cloud Brokerage emerged with the growth and evolution of cloud computing. As cloud services became more complex and varied, there was a need for a role that could help businesses to navigate the cloud market and manage their cloud services effectively. The term 'Cloud Broker' was first defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2011 to describe this role.
Since then, the role of Cloud Brokers has evolved and expanded. Today, Cloud Brokers provide a range of value-added services, including access to multiple cloud services, integration, aggregation, customization, and enhanced security. They play a crucial role in the cloud computing ecosystem, helping businesses to make the most of their cloud services and achieve their business objectives.
Evolution of Cloud Broker
The role of Cloud Brokers has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, Cloud Brokers were primarily focused on helping businesses to select the best cloud services for their needs. However, as the cloud market has grown and become more complex, the role of Cloud Brokers has expanded to include a range of value-added services.
Today, Cloud Brokers not only help businesses to select and manage their cloud services, but also provide a range of additional services such as integration, aggregation, customization, and enhanced security. They play a crucial role in the cloud computing ecosystem, helping businesses to navigate the complex cloud market and make the most of their cloud services.
Use Cases of Cloud Broker
Cloud Brokers are used in a variety of scenarios, ranging from small businesses looking to adopt cloud services, to large enterprises seeking to optimize their existing cloud infrastructure. One common use case is when a business is looking to adopt cloud services for the first time. In this scenario, a Cloud Broker can help the business to navigate the complex cloud market, select the best cloud services for their needs, and manage the implementation and integration of these services.
Another common use case is when a business is looking to optimize their existing cloud infrastructure. In this scenario, a Cloud Broker can provide a range of value-added services, such as performance monitoring, cost optimization, and security enhancement, to help the business to get the most out of their cloud services.
Examples of Cloud Broker
One example of a Cloud Broker is a company that helps businesses to adopt and manage Amazon Web Services (AWS). This Cloud Broker provides a range of services, including AWS consulting, AWS managed services, and AWS cost optimization, to help businesses to make the most of AWS.
Another example is a Cloud Broker that specializes in helping businesses to adopt and manage Microsoft Azure. This Cloud Broker provides a range of services, including Azure consulting, Azure managed services, and Azure cost optimization, to help businesses to make the most of Azure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cloud Brokers play a crucial role in the cloud computing ecosystem. They act as intermediaries between cloud service providers and end-users, providing a range of value-added services that enhance the cloud experience for the end-user. These services can include access to multiple cloud services, integration, aggregation, customization, and enhanced security.
Whether a business is looking to adopt cloud services for the first time, or seeking to optimize their existing cloud infrastructure, a Cloud Broker can provide valuable assistance. By understanding the role and benefits of Cloud Brokers, businesses can make more informed decisions about their cloud strategy and make the most of their cloud services.