Should a Private Cloud Still Be Considered a Cloud?

This deceivingly innocuous question sparked another lively debate (and some name calling) on the ebizQ Cloud Forum today. So, is a private cloud still a cloud?

Absolutely.

Let's not get hung up on names. The end game is to realize the benefits of the cloud business model. Yes, some options might be better at realizing a subset of benefits (such as cost reduction) than others but not all options are suitable for all business requirements. Regulations, privacy standards, and security requirements might preclude the "public" option is some cases. Should those entities fore go the cloud benefits because of a "naming issue"? Instead of names, let's focus on the real issues of a cloud - security, portability, interoperability, privacy, and trust.

* Originally posted on the ebizQ Cloud Forum on April 6, 2010.