Cloud computing definitions causing confusion in the market place, says Gartner

Contrasting views on cloud computing are creating confusion in the market place, says analyst Gartner.

The term "cloud computing" is being loosely applied and defined differently, and it is creating a lot of confusion in the market, said Gartner.

Gartner defines cloud computing as a style of computing in which massively scalable IT-related capabilities are provided "as a service" using internet technologies to multiple external customers.

However, there have been different perceptions of what is included in cloud computing.

"The term cloud computing has come to mean two very different things: a broader use that focuses on 'cloud", and a more-focused use on system infrastructure and virtualisation," said David Mitchell Smith, an analst at Gartner. "Mixing the discussion of 'cloud-enabling technologies' with 'cloud computing services' creates confusion."