Hi folks,

I am interested in analyzing cloud service business model.

I think it is ambiguous to differentiate the cloud service business model from the traditional IT service business model.

There are number of services are served under the cloud service business model. Gropbox, Goolge drive are the storage service providers whereas Amazone, salesforce are the platform service providers. Also, the iCloud is the good example of cloud service business model.

What I am curious about is that how do we determine the cloud service business model?

Such as 5pm, is an online tool and application service provider for project management. This service provides web based software and data storage where users can access and share the information about the project. However, the service are only provided when the user access to the 5pm website and data are stored on 5pm's server only.

If so, should we not consider it as a cloud service? or Do we consider the cloud service if the applications or software are not installed locally?

Please share your thoughts about the cloud service business model, and what do you think is the best business model for cloud service so far?

Thank you.