Abstract: Cloud Computing is considered as one of the emerging arenas of computer science in recent times. It is providing excellent facilities to business entrepreneurs by flexible infrastructure. Although, cloud computing is facilitating the Information Technology industry, the research and development in this arena is yet to be satisfactory. Our contribution in this paper is an advanced survey focusing on cloud computing concept and most advanced research issues. This paper provides a better understanding of the cloud computing and identifies important research issues in this burgeoning area of computer science.

Keywords: Cloud Computing; Virtualization; Data Center; Server Consolidation.