What is a Cloud Operating System?

Definition of Cloud Operating System

Cloud operating system (Cloud OS) is a type of operating system that is designed to install and operate on cloud computing and virtualization environments / infrastructures. Cloud OS manages the operation, execution, and processes of virtual machines, virtual / cloud servers, and virtual infrastructure and the back-end hardware and software resources.

Brief Description of Cloud Operating System

Cloud operating system primarily manages the operations of one or more virtual machines or cloud resource inside a virtualized / cloud environment.  Depending upon the virtual environment and cloud services in use, the functionality and utilization of cloud operating system vary.

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

Microsoft Windows Azure and Google Chrome OS is a common cloud operating systems.