What is this cloud commitment glossary for?

It defines the terms that govern hyperscaler commitments, from EDP and MACC to shortfall and ramp, in plain buyer side language so you can read a proposal with confidence.

What is the difference between EDP, MACC, and committed use?

EDP is the AWS spend commitment program, MACC is the Microsoft Azure consumption commitment, and committed use refers to Google Cloud discounts. Each is defined in its own glossary entry with dated mechanics.

What is a shortfall penalty?

It is what a buyer owes when committed spend exceeds actual usage. Avoiding it is one of the main reasons to size a commitment carefully before signing.

Do committed use discounts and sustained use discounts stack?

No. On Google Cloud, CUDs and SUDs do not double stack on the same resource (as of June 2026). The glossary explains how to balance them.

Is the glossary a substitute for legal advice?

No. It is commercial education. For interpretation of specific contract language we recommend your own counsel.

GLOSSARY

A cloud commitment glossary for buyers, in plain language.

This cloud commitment glossary defines the terms that decide whether a hyperscaler deal is good or punishing: EDP, MACC, committed use, shortfall, ramp, and the rest. Each entry is written for the buyer, with dated mechanics so it ages well.

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Cloud commitment deals are full of language designed by the seller. This cloud commitment glossary translates that language into terms a buyer can act on. Every definition explains not just what a term means but why it matters to your leverage and your risk before signature (as of June 2026).

How to use this cloud commitment glossary

Start with the program your deal touches, then follow the links into the risk and structure terms that surround it. Each entry links up to its program pillar and across to related terms, so you can move from a single definition to the full picture of how a commitment is priced and where the traps sit.

KEY TERMS

AWS Enterprise Discount Program The AWS spend commitment that unlocks tiered discounts over a one to five year term.