Revisited: The Cloud Computing Industry Segments

Nearly a year ago I wrote a blog post called The Cloud Computing Industry Segments. It made an initial pass at describing the cloud computing industry segments. As mentioned in that post, this is a somewhat tricky proposition since cloud computing products, services and technologies are all evolving so quickly. It is now time for an update.

Neovise started by using three “super-segments”

1. Cloud Services – including IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
2. Cloud Enabling Solutions – including cloud platforms, cloud management, etc.
3. Cloud Integrated Solutions – mostly applications pre-integrated with cloud services

At this point Neovise is focusing on the first two super-segments. While cloud integrated solutions are important – and actually growing in importance – they are both too numerous and too diverse to cover appropriately. An example of a cloud integrated solution is the new Microsoft Office 2010 suite. Users still get traditional desktop based Office products like Word. But now they also get SaaS versions. The key takeaway for this super-segment (before putting it to rest) is that we continue to expect huge growth in the number of cloud integrated solutions over the next several years. For example, more desktop applications will offer built-in options that allow users to select data storage or sharing from a cloud service.

With only the first two super-segments remaining, let’s cut to the chase. Below is the more detailed segmentation model Neovise is currently using. Sub-segments are identified by level of indentation. Please note the clickable links which will redirect you to more information including profiles on 100 or so individual cloud solutions from vendors and service providers.

Cloud Services

• IaaS
  • Compute (and more)
  • Development and Test
  • HPC
  • Resource Sharing
  • Storage
  • Telecom
• PaaS
  • Sub-segments emerging (e.g. drag ‘n drop versus programming)
• SaaS
  • Sub-segments nearly match traditional application segments

Cloud Enabling Solutions

• App Migration, Packaging, Portability & Deployment
  
  
• Billing and Payment
  
  
• Cloud Acceleration
  
  
• Cloud Enabling Platforms
  • IaaS Enabling Platforms
  • PaaS Enabling Platforms
  • SaaS Enabling Platforms
  • DaaS Enabling Platforms
• Cloud Hardware
  
  
• Cloud Interoperability & Integration
  • API Management
  • Integration
• Cloud Management
  
  
• Cloud Quality and Performance
  
  
• Cloud Security
  
  
• Cloud Software
  
  
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Related

The profiles which are accessed via the links above can also be found by starting here. If you are in the market for a cloud computing solution, this is a great way to see what is available. Further, by registering on the website, readers will get enhanced navigation as well as the ability to download additional reports associated with these solutions.

If you know of additional sub-segments or solutions which should be included, please feel free to add a comment below! Vendors and service providers can learn how to get profiles for their own solutions added to the website here.