Cloud computing is a recent concept that builds on decades of research in virtualization, distributed computing, utility computing, and networking, web, and software services. It implies a service-oriented architecture, reduced IT overhead for end-users, flexibility, reduced total cost of ownership, and on-demand services. This paper discusses the concept of cloud computing, the issues it addresses, related research topics, and a cloud implementation based on Virtual Computing Laboratory (VCL) technology. Cloud computing is the next step in the evolution of on-demand IT services. It is based on virtualized resources and has its roots in earlier technologies such as grid computing. The term became popular in 2007 when IBM and Google announced a collaboration in this area. Since then, cloud computing has become a major topic of discussion. The paper discusses the concept of cloud computing, its components, and an implementation based on VCL technology. VCL is an open-source implementation of a secure, production-level on-demand utility computing and service-oriented technology. It is used at North Carolina State University and provides access to virtualized resources, including computational, storage, and software resources. VCL supports a wide range of users, from system developers to end-users. It allows for the creation and delivery of content and curricula for these users, and provides reliable and cost-effective service delivery. The system is designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing for the dynamic allocation of resources based on user needs. The paper also discusses research issues related to cloud computing, including the economy of scale, image and service construction, provenance data management, and security. It highlights the importance of standardization in image formats and the challenges of ensuring data integrity and privacy in cloud environments. The paper concludes that cloud computing is built on decades of research in virtualization, distributed computing, utility computing, and more recently, networking, web, and software services. It emphasizes the importance of service-oriented architecture, reduced IT overhead, flexibility, and reduced total cost of ownership. The paper also highlights the successful implementation of VCL technology and its potential for further development in cloud computing.Cloud computing is a recent concept that builds on decades of research in virtualization, distributed computing, utility computing, and networking, web, and software services. It implies a service-oriented architecture, reduced IT overhead for end-users, flexibility, reduced total cost of ownership, and on-demand services. This paper discusses the concept of cloud computing, the issues it addresses, related research topics, and a cloud implementation based on Virtual Computing Laboratory (VCL) technology. Cloud computing is the next step in the evolution of on-demand IT services. It is based on virtualized resources and has its roots in earlier technologies such as grid computing. The term became popular in 2007 when IBM and Google announced a collaboration in this area. Since then, cloud computing has become a major topic of discussion. The paper discusses the concept of cloud computing, its components, and an implementation based on VCL technology. VCL is an open-source implementation of a secure, production-level on-demand utility computing and service-oriented technology. It is used at North Carolina State University and provides access to virtualized resources, including computational, storage, and software resources. VCL supports a wide range of users, from system developers to end-users. It allows for the creation and delivery of content and curricula for these users, and provides reliable and cost-effective service delivery. The system is designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing for the dynamic allocation of resources based on user needs. The paper also discusses research issues related to cloud computing, including the economy of scale, image and service construction, provenance data management, and security. It highlights the importance of standardization in image formats and the challenges of ensuring data integrity and privacy in cloud environments. The paper concludes that cloud computing is built on decades of research in virtualization, distributed computing, utility computing, and more recently, networking, web, and software services. It emphasizes the importance of service-oriented architecture, reduced IT overhead, flexibility, and reduced total cost of ownership. The paper also highlights the successful implementation of VCL technology and its potential for further development in cloud computing.