Cloud Operating System

What Does Cloud Operating System Mean?

A cloud operating system is a type of operating system designed to operate within cloud computing and virtualization environments. A cloud operating system manages the operation, execution and processes of virtual machines, virtual servers and virtual infrastructure, as well as the back-end hardware and software resources.

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A cloud operating system may also be called a virtual operating system.

Techopedia Explains Cloud Operating System

A cloud operating system primarily manages the operation of one or more virtual machines within a virtualized environment. Depending on the virtual environment and cloud services in use, the functionality of cloud operating systems varies.

For example, a cloud operating system developed to be used within a computing-specific environment will manage the processes and threads of a single or cluster of virtual machines and servers. Similarly, a light-end cloud OS might provide end users with pre-installed applications and services, accessed through an Internet browser.

Microsoft Windows Azure and Google Chrome OS are among current examples of cloud operating systems.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…