Definition

“Cloud” is simply somone else’s computers, storage, and networking capacity. In most cases, this capacity - how much you use - is virtualized and available for rent. When it’s rented from a cloud service provider (CSP), someone has to pay the bill. Cloud offerings include many IT services - pre-packaged computing resources, software-defined network services, Cloud has another name: Infrastructure-as-a-Service, or IaaS.

Pros

Agility. Cloud computing, storage, and networking services allow new computers, databases, and networks to be created in minutes or seconds.
Resiliency. Cloud computing can be configured to automatically “self-heal” and scale, launching new computing, storage, and networking services on failure or saturation of available resources.
Ease of access. With minimal training, the average Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, or Guardian can configure their own cloud.

Cons

Cost. While it’s often low-cost to get started, cloud costs can gradually balloon over time. It’s vital that the commander treat cloud cost as part of the unit’s budget and therefore as a new financial responsibility. Most CSPs provide intuitive cost-management tools, so it’s important to set cost limits based on what you can afford.

Other considerations

Control. You don’t control the underlying machines. By using cloud, you’re trusting another organization to provide the security and technology updates to keep your computing, storage, and networking safe and running. The DoD is generally comfortable with how major CSPs do this today, but it’s on the cloud customer to make sure their designs meet security compliance requirements.

Why it Matters

Cloud provides the modern commander technology agility by reducing the time to configure and secure many complex IT services.