User requirements for cloud computing architecture

To date, the literature on software architecture for cloud computing is focussed largely on the service-provider, and inadequately reflects the fact that cloud computing is a form of client-server relationship. Architectures must also encompass the software and devices that users utilise in order to invoke functions in the cloud, and intermediary functions. A further problem with analyses to date is inadequate reflection of the risks that users are subject to when they use cloud services. This paper proposes a comprehensive model that reflects user needs, and identifies implications of the model for computer scientists working in the area.