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PROJECTS/PROGRAMS

# NIST Cloud Computing Program - NCCP

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## Description

Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. This cloud model promotes availability and is composed of five essential characteristics (On-demand self-service, Broad network access, Resource pooling, Rapid elasticity, Measured Service); three service models (Cloud Software as a Service (SaaS), Cloud Platform as a Service (PaaS), Cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)); and, four deployment models (Private cloud, Community cloud, Public cloud, Hybrid cloud). Key enabling technologies include: (1) fast wide-area networks, (2) powerful, inexpensive server computers, and (3) high-performance virtualization for commodity hardware. 

The Cloud Computing model offers the promise of massive cost savings combined with increased IT agility. It is considered critical that government and industry begin adoption of this technology in response to difficult economic constraints. However, cloud computing technology challenges many traditional approaches to datacenter and enterprise application design and management. Cloud computing is currently being used; however, security, interoperability, and portability are cited as major barriers to broader adoption.  

The long term goal is to provide thought leadership and guidance around the cloud computing paradigm to catalyze its use within industry and government. NIST aims to shorten the adoption cycle, which will enable near-term cost savings and increased ability to quickly create and deploy enterprise applications. NIST aims to foster cloud computing systems and practices that support interoperability, portability, and security requirements that are appropriate and achievable for important usage scenarios

## Major Accomplishments

### The NIST Cloud Federation Reference Architecture (NIST SP 500-332)

Published: February 13, 2020Author(s): Robert B. Bohn, Craig A. Lee, Martial Michel

Abstract: This document presents the NIST Federated Cloud Reference Architecture model. This actor/role- based model used the guiding principles of the NIST Cloud Computing Reference Architecture to develop an eleven component model. This document describes these components individually and how they function as an ensemble. There are many possible deployments and governance options which lend themselves to create a suite of federation options from simple to complex. The basics of cloud federation can be described through the interactions of the actors in a layered three planes representation of trust, security, and resource sharing and usage. A discussion on possible future standards and use cases are also described in great detail.

Download Paper

Information technologyCloud computing and virtualizationCybersecurity

## Organizations

                          - NIST Headquarters
                            - Laboratory Programs
                              - Communications Technology Laboratory
                                - Smart Connected Systems Division
                                  - Transformational Networks and Services Group

## Contact

                    -  Abdella Battou  abdella.battou@nist.gov      (301) 975-5247   
                    -  Robert B. Bohn  robert.bohn@nist.gov      (301) 975-4731   
                    -  John V. Messina  john.messina@nist.gov      (301) 975-4284   
                    -  Dr. Michaela Iorga  michaela.iorga@nist.gov      (301) 975-8431   
                    -  Eric Simmon  eric.simmon@nist.gov      (301) 975-3956   
                    -  Frederic de Vaulx  frederic.devaulx@nist.gov      (301) 975-2084   

## Project Status

## Related News

Cloud Computing Can Assist Workers with Disabilities, NIST Reports

Cloud Metrics Could Provide the Goldilocks Solution to Which Cloud Vendor Is 'Just Right'

## Related Publications

The NIST Cloud Federation Reference Architecture

US Government Cloud Computing Technology Roadmap Volume I: High-Priority Requirements to Further USG Agency Cloud Computing Adoption; and Volume II: Useful Information for Cloud Adopters

The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing

NIST Cloud Computing Reference Architecture

NIST-SP 500-291, NIST Cloud Computing Standards Roadmap

### HEADQUARTERS

301-975-2000

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