There seems to be some confusion around exactly what cloud computing means. Describing technology with catchy words like "cloud computing" is done in part to provide clarity around new concepts. But as is the case with any new technology trend, "me too" companies latch on to the catchy words and before you know it we've created more confusion that clarity. And let's face it, cloud computing sounds cool and paints a nice visual.So I had to laugh when a colleague pointed me to James Governor's recent post: 15 Ways to Tell Its Not Cloud Computing.Here's his list:

• If you peel back the label and its says Grid or OGSAunderneath, it's not a cloud.
• If you need to send a 40 page requirements document to the vendor then, it's not cloud.
• If you can't buy it on your personal credit card, it is not a cloud
• If they are trying to sell you hardware, it's not a cloud.
• If there is no API, it's not a cloud.
• If you need to rearchitect your systems for it, it's not a cloud.
• If it takes more than ten minutes to provision, it's not a cloud.
• If you can't deprovision in less than ten minutes, it's not a cloud.
• If you know where the machines are, it's not a cloud.
• If there is a consultant in the room, it's not a cloud.
• If you need to specify the number of machines you want upfront, it's not a cloud.
• If it only runs one operating system, it's not a cloud.
• If you can't connect to it from your own machine, it's not a cloud.
• If you need to install software to use it, it's not a cloud.
• If you own all the hardware, it's not a cloud.