Key Performance Indicators for Cloud Computing SLAs

Reducing IT costs by using cloud computing is tempting for many companies. As cloud rapidly is gaining momentum as alternative mean of providing IT ressources, the need for regulated service qualities increases. To attract companies to outsource their services to clouds, providers need to offer Service Level Objectives specified in SLAs for their customers. The content of such Service Level Objectives is a key reason for the successful usage of cloud computing and consists of Key Performance Indicators. Due to the dynamic character and complex nature of the cloud environment, creating SLAs for the cloud can be very difficult. This paper proposes selected KPIs for cloud SLAs and describes possible Service Level Objectives, as well as how they should be monitored. Keywords—Cloud Computing; KPI; SLA; QoS