Cloud Federation: Characterisation and Conceptual Model

This position paper brings to discussion a next step in the evolution of Cloud Computing as the organisation of multiple clouds. We summarise concepts related to the set of clouds called Inter-Cloud and its main elements (hybrid clouds, multi-clouds, etc.). We explore in more detail the Cloud Federation, which has stood as a well-behaved and voluntary organisation of clouds, focusing on its key features, advantages over other types of cloud organisation and existing models. Finally, we present a conceptual model of a Cloud Federation organised in layers, created based on the relationship of the main segments identified in this kind of organisation.