The world of cloud computing is packed with buzzwords. If you have ever sat in a meeting wondering what “orchestration” or “hybrid cloud” actually means, you’re not alone. Sardina Systems is here to help.
This is Part 1 of our cloud glossary series, covering 10 must-know terms, explained with real-world context, simple language, and use cases that even your grandma could grasp.
1. Cloud and Cloud Computing
What it sounds like: Fluffy stuff in the sky
In reality: Cloud computing is the delivery of IT services (servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, etc.) over the internet (“the cloud”).
What it means: Using the internet to store and run things instead of your own computer. If you’ve ever used your phone to check email, watch Netflix, or store family photos, you’ve already used the cloud. Instead of owning and maintaining one physical computer or server, cloud computing lets you either rent resources on demand (public cloud) or share and manage your own hardware to support multiple users and tasks (private or hybrid cloud). You can scale up or down, pay only for what you use, and get services running fast.
Real-life analogy: Imagine a TV with just one channel. You could only watch that. Today, that TV connects to multiple channels, streaming services, and even your phone, so you can watch what you want, anytime, from any device. The cloud works similarly, giving you flexible access to computing power without being tied to just one “channel” or machine.
2. Virtual Machine (VM)
What it sounds like: A pretend computer
In reality: A virtual machine is a virtualization or software emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating system and applications.
What it means: A software-based version of a real computer that runs inside another machine. Virtual machines let you run multiple “computers” on one physical server, maximizing efficiency and reducing hardware costs.
Picture this: It is like setting up several guest rooms inside one big house. Each room has its own key, decorations, and privacy.
3. Container
What it sounds like: Tupperware
In reality: A container is a lightweight unit of software that packages everything needed to run an application (code, libraries, settings, etc.).
What it means: Unlike VMs, containers do not include an entire operating system, making them faster, lighter, and perfect for scalable applications.
Think of it like this: Like putting a whole meal in one lunchbox. You can take it anywhere without needing an entire kitchen.
4. Orchestration
What it sounds like: Conducting a symphony
In reality: Orchestration is the automated coordination and management of multiple tasks or processes across computer systems, applications, and services.
What it means: Orchestration tools manage how different cloud parts work together and keep everything running smoothly. Kubernetes (K8s) is a well-known orchestration tool used with containers.
Grandma analogy: Like a conductor making sure all the musicians play at the right time, so the music sounds just right, even if the band is huge.
5. Public Cloud
What it sounds like: A cloud everyone shares
In reality: A public cloud is a cloud computing model where services are delivered over the internet and shared among multiple users.
What it means: Offered by multinational tech giants, the public cloud gives you flexible access to computing resources. While you do not own the infrastructure, you just rent it when you need it.
Made simple: Like taking the bus to get where you need to go — you share the ride with others, but it’s often the fastest and most convenient option. You don’t need to buy the bus, train a driver, or own a car, learn to drive, and pay for maintenance. You just buy a ticket and go.
6. Private Cloud
What it sounds like: Your own personal cloud
In reality: A private cloud is a cloud infrastructure dedicated to a single organization, either on-premise or hosted by a third party.
What it means: Unlike the public cloud, a private cloud is not shared with others. It gives you more control, customization, and security: perfect for industries with strict compliance or data needs.
The everyday version: You own a car instead of taking public transport, and you drive it, control it, and keep your stuff inside.
7. Hybrid cloud
What it sounds like: A mix of clouds
In reality: A hybrid cloud combines public and private cloud environments that are connected and integrated.
What it means: A hybrid setup allows companies to move workloads between public and private clouds depending on needs, so you get flexibility and control.
How it works in real life: You drive your car to the train station, then hop on the train, combining both private and public transport for the most convenient journey.
8. OpenStack
What it sounds like: A card game
In reality: OpenStack is an open-source cloud operating system for building and managing private and hybrid cloud infrastructure. One of its core capabilities is managing virtualization, enabling multiple virtual machines (VMs) and containers to run on a single physical server via a hypervisor. This is similar to how platforms like VMware vSphere, Microsoft Azure Stack, Nutanix, and others handle infrastructure virtualization. OpenStack also integrates with third-party software and tools, offering flexibility and scalability for modern cloud environments.
What it means: OpenStack gives organizations the tools to build their cloud platforms — customizable, scalable, and free from vendor lock-in. It powers many of the world’s private clouds.
Real-life analogy: Think of OpenStack as a control tower at an airport. It doesn’t fly the planes (like virtual machines, networks, or storage), but it coordinates how and when they operate — ensuring everything runs safely and efficiently. You decide how many runways you need, how big or small the planes are, which terminals they use, and how the whole airport operates — tailored to your specific traffic and needs.
9. Software
What it sounds like: Soft clothing for machines
In reality: Software refers to the programs and operating systems that instruct the execution of a computer.
What it means: Software powers everything from your phone apps to cloud infrastructure. It provides interfaces that help users complete specific tasks, whether it’s editing a photo, running a business, or managing a data center. For example, FishOS by Sardina Systems is a powerful OpenStack-based cloud management software that helps organizations run private and hybrid clouds. It automates tasks, optimizes performance, and enables zero-downtime operations.
In plain English: It’s like picking up a well-designed book. Someone wrote the text, someone else printed and illustrated it, and all you need to do is read and enjoy. Software is the digital version: it brings everything together so you can get things done without thinking about how it was built.
10. Hardware
What it sounds like: Cables and boxes
In reality: Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system: servers, storage drives, networking gear, motherboard, etc.
What it means: Hardware is the foundation of all computing: it is what powers everything from your laptop to massive cloud data centers. In the cloud, hardware can be owned (private cloud) or rented (public cloud), and is managed behind the scenes by software platforms.
For humans: It is like the sewing machine, scissors, and fabric in a sewing room. They don’t do anything on their own, but they’re what you need to make something, once you know how.
With over 20 years of cloud industry experience, the Sardina Systems team knows the ins and outs, and we are happy to explain it all if you want. You do not need to get lost in the details to have a powerful, scalable, and cost-effective cloud infrastructure. Focus on your business goals, and FishOS will handle the cloud.
Book your free consultation today, and let’s build the cloud that works for your organization.