Abstract
Combining the emerged advanced technologies (such as cloud computing, ‘internet of thing’, virtualization, and service-oriented technologies, advanced computing technologies) with existing advanced manufacturing models and enterprise ‘informationization’ technologies, a new computing- and service-oriented manufacturing model, called cloud manufacturing (CMfg), is proposed. The concept, architecture, core enabling technologies, and typical characteristics of CMfg are discussed and investigated, as well as the differences and relationship between cloud computing and CMfg. Four typical CMfg service platforms, i.e. public, private, community, and hybrid CMfg service platforms, are introduced. The key advantages and challenges for implementing CMfg are analysed, as well as the key technologies and main research findings.