Cloud computing

Computing, storage, or software rented over a network and scaled when needed instead of owning every server yourself.

Where it creates value

Best suited to work like this.

Hosting applications, data platforms, AI training and inference, collaboration, backup, integration, and analytics.

What it does

The intelligent task.

Provision compute and storage, scale elastically, deliver managed services, automate infrastructure, and meter usage.

Typical value

Provides flexible, scalable access to computing and shared services, helping teams deploy and operate digital solutions faster.

Where it performs well: Fast provisioning, broad managed-service choice, scalability, and reduced need to operate physical infrastructure.

Value maturity · editorial assessment Established

Cloud computing is a mature infrastructure model with established architecture, security, and operating practices.

Emerging
Demonstrated
Scaling
Established

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TEC-0056 · How it works in practice

Cloud computing

Read the card type together with the use case. A component can be central in one solution and enabling in another.

01 · Inputs

Applications, data, infrastructure configuration, identities, network traffic, and service policies.

02 · Intelligent task

Provision compute and storage, scale elastically, deliver managed services, automate infrastructure, and meter usage.

03 · Outputs

Running services, stored data, compute results, logs, backups, and usage records.

Common application patterns

Hosting applications
data platforms
AI training and inference
collaboration
backup
integration
and analytics

Enablers

What must be in place.

Cloud architecture, provider assessment, identity, network and encryption design, data residency, backup, monitoring, cost governance, and exit planning.

Where it struggles

Limitations and drawbacks.

Costs can grow unexpectedly; provider outages, concentration, data residency, shared responsibility, and portability require management.

Human role

People remain accountable.

Platform teams configure and govern services; application and data owners remain accountable under the shared-responsibility model.

Connected use cases

Examples from the current use-case library.

Use-case connections will appear here as the library records are reviewed.

Continue exploring

The card is the simple front door. The website can hold the full system behind it.

Use the technology record to connect applications, processes, enablers, risks, controls, evidence, and implementation experience without placing all of it on the printable card.

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