These companies attack the cloud from many angles, as software development in the cloud expands to take on many forms. This is the arena where developers can do what it takes to create winning cloud strategies. They may offer cloud-based development and application scaling or infrastructure management for deploying and managing apps in the cloud. Or they may offer a Platform-as-a-Service that virtualizes applications through a combination of open source software and hardware. There are many ways to build cloud-based platforms. Here are some of the most intriguing vendors doing it.

Also, be sure to check out the rest of CRN's 100 Coolest Cloud Computing Vendors and the top cloud computing vendors from last year's list.