Congressional Research Service. January 20, 2015.
Cloud computing is a new name for an old concept: the delivery of computing services from a remote location, analogous to the way electricity, water, and other utilities are provided to most customers. Cloud computing services are delivered through a network, usually the Internet. In December 2010, the U.S. Chief Information Officer (CIO) released “A 25-Point Implementation Plan to Reform Federal IT Management” as part of a comprehensive effort to increase the operational efficiency of federal technology assets. One element of the 25-Point Plan is for agencies to shift to a “Cloud First” policy, which is being implemented through the Federal Cloud Computing Strategy. The Cloud First policy means that federal agencies must (1) implement cloud-based solutions whenever a secure, reliable, and cost-effective cloud option exists; and (2) begin reevaluating and modifying their individual IT budget strategies to include cloud computing. However, there are challenges facing agencies as they make this shift.
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42887.pdf [PDF format, 27 pages].