Definition
Cloud governance refers to the set of policies, processes, and controls established to manage and direct cloud computing resources and operations effectively. It ensures that cloud usage aligns with organizational objectives, regulatory requirements, and security best practices. In practice, this involves defining roles and responsibilities, implementing cost management strategies, and establishing compliance frameworks. Effective cloud governance is crucial for optimizing resource utilization, mitigating risks, and maintaining operational efficiency. For instance, a company might implement a policy requiring all new cloud deployments to undergo a security review before going live. This differs from cloud management, which focuses more on the operational aspects of running cloud services. Understanding cloud governance is vital for exams like CCSP and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate.