In computer jargon, 'cloud' refers to the Internet. In this introduction to the 'cloud revolution, ' Rittenhouse (Hypersecurity, Houston) and Ransome (Cisco Collaborative Software Group), who hold doctorates in psychology and information systems, respectively, explain the evolution and characteristics of this latest trend in marketplace computing. After clarifying the difference between cloud computing services and virtual data centers, cloud vs. grid computing, and cloud vs. traditional models of software distribution, they discuss the building, management, end user access, and future of secure cloud networks. A Linux-based virtualization practicum and an executive scenario for cloud-based operations are appended.