Randy A. Rendahl

Description and application of core cloud user roles

At IBM®, we developed a set of user roles that describe the tasks of the people who interact with any cloud based Information Technology system. The three core roles of Cloud Service Creator, Cloud Service Provider, and Cloud Service Consumer create the base for reflecting the close interaction between developers, providers, and consumers in order to achieve the optimum service flow. The development of a single role as well as the entire taxonomy of roles is guided by a framework of governing principles. Our paper will first present an overview of the user roles and basic framework. Then we will present a series of examples and best practices for interpreting and applying the roles in the design and operation of cloud computing solutions.