Cloud computing is rapidly emerging as a technology almost every industry that provides or consumes software, hardware, and infrastructure can leverage. The technology and architecture that cloud service and deployment models offer are a key area of research and development for GIS technology.
What is Cloud Computing?
Although there are several variations on the definition of cloud computing, some basic tenets characterize this coming revolution. Cloud computing furnishes technological capabilities—commonly maintained off premises—that are delivered on demand as services via the Internet.
Cloud GIS offerings can range from data storage to end-user Web applications to other focused computing services. ESRI considers cloud computing and technology important in the development and vision of the ArcGIS platform.