The document provides an overview of cloud computing concepts including cloud computing characteristics, service models, deployment models, and virtualization. It defines cloud computing according to NIST as a model enabling on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned with minimal management effort. The five essential cloud characteristics are described as well as the three common service models of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. The four deployment models and benefits of virtualization technology are also summarized.