This document defines cloud computing and discusses its key concepts including software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). It explains that cloud computing provides access to applications, computing power, and storage over the internet. The document also describes private, public and hybrid cloud models and lists characteristics of cloud computing such as on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service.