Grounding the Cloud: Basics and Brokerages is an easy to understand overview that will allow you to harness the power of the cloud to advance your business goals using clearly defined concepts of cloud computing, easy to understand definitions comprehensive checklists, and real-world success stories. Learn how organizations of all sizes, from small private accounting firms to massive governmental agencies utilize the current IT revolution to greatly increase productivity by embracing the cloud's ecosystem of shared services. Explore the three types of cloud models (public, private, and hybrid). Discover cloud services brokerages (CSB), learn how they operate, and decide if they are right for you. Begin transitioning your business to the cloud by performing the comprehensive on-site assessment found in this book. Build a gateway cloud, or prepare a request for proposal with the handy guides contained in the book.