This editorial introduces the special issue in the Elsevier journal Computers in Industry that analyses how the digital transformation of manufacturing is speeded up by two important drivers: cloud services and resource virtualization, which are vital for implementing the main building blocks - Cyber Physical Production Systems and Industrial Internet of Things - in the “Industry of the future” framework. The context of this special issue is firstly presented, with a specific focus on the federative concept of Industry 4.0. A framework characterizing research activities led in the field of the digital transformation of manufacturing processes and systems is then introduced. This framework is used to present and position the 12 papers composing the special issue. Perspectives are finally introduced as a guideline for future work in the digital transformation of manufacturing through cloud services and resource virtualization