  Cloud computing represents a major shift in information systems architecture,
combining both new deployment models and new business models. Rapid
provisioning, elastic scaling, and metered usage are essential characteristics
of cloud services, and they require cloud resources with these same
characteristics. When cloud services depend on commercial software, the
licenses for that software become another resource to be managed by the cloud.
This paper examines common licensing models, including open source, and how
well they function in a cloud services model. It discusses creative, new,
cloud-centric licensing models and how they allow providers to preserve and
expand their revenue streams as their partners and customers transition to the
cloud. The paper concludes by identifying the next steps to achieve
standardized, cloud-friendly licensing models.
