Don’t create new as a service terms or -aaS acronyms. Instead, describe the service and what it provides the customer.
Use cloud mostly as an adjective. Use sparingly as a noun—instead of the cloud, talk about cloud computing, cloud services, or a specific service or functionality and what the customer can do with it.
Hyphenate cloud-bursting as an adjective preceding a noun, as in cloud-bursting configuration.
Use cloud platform only in content for a technical audience, such as content about Azure.
Use cloud services to refer to the services provided via the cloud—such as servers, storage, databases, and software.
All terms are two words and lowercase.
Lowercase. Hyphenate cloud-native as an adjective preceding a noun, as in cloud-native app. Don’t hyphenate in other instances.
Don’t use born in the cloud, cloud-born, or similar phrases.
Lowercase.
Use at the edge—not on the edge—in references to edge computing.
If your meaning is unclear without the terms, it’s OK to use them to talk about the use of cloud computing to quickly expand or decrease computer processing, memory, and storage resources to meet changing demands. Use elastic cloud computing when you need to clarify that cloud services are used.
Define these terms on the first mention unless you’re sure that your audience is familiar with them.
It’s OK to use IaaS after the term has been spelled out on the first mention with the abbreviated form in parentheses.
Don't capitalize as IAAS.
Don't hyphenate as a modifier.
In content for a general audience, refer to the specific type of service, such as applying software updates, in a cloud-computing model.
It’s OK to use ITaaS after the term has been spelled out on the first mention with the abbreviated form in parentheses.
Don't capitalize as ITAAS.
Don't hyphenate as a modifier.
When used in this meaning, Microsoft Cloud is capitalized.
Include the article (the) before Microsoft Cloud.
It’s OK to add a modifier between the and Microsoft Cloud—for example, “the trusted Microsoft Cloud.”
One word, no hyphen.
One word, no hyphen.
Premises is plural. Don't use on-premise, off-premise.
Don't use on-premises cloud or off-premises cloud.
It’s OK to use PaaS after the term has been spelled out on the first mention with the abbreviated form in parentheses.
Don't capitalize as PAAS.
Don't hyphenate as a modifier.
Don't capitalize as SAAS.
Don't hyphenate as a modifier.
As an expert in cloud computing and related services, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the intricacies of "as a service" (-aaS) concepts. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of cloud computing terminology, industry best practices, and the nuances of delivering computing services over the internet. Let's delve into the specific terms outlined in the provided article:
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Cloud Computing:
- Use "cloud computing" to refer generally to the delivery of computing services over the internet.
- Avoid using "the cloud" as a noun; instead, talk about cloud computing, cloud services, or specific functionalities.
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Cloud Bursting:
- Acceptable for technical audiences to mean when a private cloud taps into additional resources on the public cloud to meet a spike in demand.
- Hyphenate as an adjective preceding a noun, as in cloud-bursting configuration.
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Cloud Native:
- Use for a technical audience to describe technologies built originally for the cloud, optimized for cloud scale and performance.
- Lowercase; hyphenate as an adjective preceding a noun, such as cloud-native app.
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Cloud Services:
- Use "cloud services" to refer to services provided via the cloud, including servers, storage, databases, and software.
- All terms are two words and lowercase.
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Hosted Service:
- Use this term to describe a service, IT solution, or application hosted by a service provider and made available to customers over the internet.
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Hybrid Cloud:
- Acceptable for technical audiences comfortable with cloud technology; define on the first mention.
- For other audiences, talk about a hybrid model.
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Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):
- Use for technical audiences only.
- It's okay to use IaaS after the term has been spelled out on the first mention with the abbreviated form in parentheses.
- Don't capitalize as IAAS; don't hyphenate as a modifier.
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IT as a Service (ITaaS):
- Use for technical or business-decision-maker audiences only.
- It's okay to use ITaaS after the term has been spelled out on the first mention with the abbreviated form in parentheses.
- Don't capitalize as ITAAS; don't hyphenate as a modifier.
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Microsoft Cloud:
- Use to describe the entire Microsoft cloud platform, including Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and Microsoft 365.
- Capitalize when referring to this specific meaning.
- Include the article "the" before Microsoft Cloud.
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Multicloud:
- Acceptable for technical audiences to refer to the use of multiple cloud-computing services from more than one provider.
- One word, no hyphen.
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Multitenant:
- Use in content for a technical audience; in general audience content, use friendlier language, like "services used by multiple tenants."
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On-Premises, Off-Premises:
- Hyphenate in all positions.
- Don't use "on-premise" or "off-premise."
- Don't use "on-premises cloud" or "off-premises cloud."
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Platform as a Service (PaaS):
- Use for technical audiences only.
- It's okay to use PaaS after the term has been spelled out on the first mention with the abbreviated form in parentheses.
- Don't capitalize as PAAS; don't hyphenate as a modifier.
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Private Cloud, Hosted Private Cloud:
- Define these terms on the first mention.
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Serverless:
- One word, no hyphen.
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Software as a Service (SaaS):
- It's okay to use SaaS after the term has been spelled out on the first mention with the abbreviated form in parentheses.
- Don't capitalize as SAAS; don't hyphenate as a modifier.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively navigate and communicate the intricate landscape of cloud computing services and associated terminology.
