The various cloud service models expose applications, platform and infrastructure components in many different and unique ways. The different interfaces between the various components create a foundation for the distributed computing reference model. The open group created the model as a means for identifying and managing the interoperability and portability of cloud computing solutions. In offering the DCRM as a vital cloud solution architect tool, this chapter describes its components and processes. The architect should also note that the execution of all interactions is through industry standards, user-developed or vendor-specific APIs, or web services.

You can find more information at: http://www.opengroup.org/cloud/cloud_iop/p5.htm.