Industry Commentary

The Character of Cloud Computing

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:00:00 EST

Here's an important reminder for cloud service providers: character counts. Ethics, Values, and Trust are table stakes – for anyone who wants to succeed in business long term – but especially for cloud service providers. As a cloud customer, I am not simply buying/renting your hardware and software. I am grafting my company onto yours. We are intermingling our corporate DNA. I am loading my databases on your disk drives. I am modifying my internal processes to map to your services.

Google Responds to the Bing Challenge

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST

"At Google, we run anywhere from 50 to 200 experiments at any given time on Google sites all over the world," notes a Google spokesman in a recent statement on The Google Official Blog. "Right now, we are running a small experiment of a new Google homepage design that shows links when a user mouses over the screen. This is just a test and a way for us see whether our users will celebrate an even simpler search interface."

Google Wave Invitation Giveaway

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Looks like Google sent out another bunch of invitations (2620) for Wave & since most of my friends are already on Wave, I thought why not give it away. So, in case you want one, just drop a comment (don’t forget to protect it against spamming by substituting @ with [at] & the [...]

ILM Was Cloud Computing Buzzword de Jour A Few Years Ago

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST

Disclaimer, warning, be advised, heads up, disclosure, this post is partially for fun so take it that way. Remember ILM, that is, Information Lifecycle Management among other meanings. It was a popular buzzword de jour a few years ago similar to how cloud is being tossed around lately, or in the recent past, virtualization, clusters, grids and SOA among others. One of the challenges with ILM besides its overuse and thus confusion was what it meant, after all was or is it a product, process, paradigm or something else?

What Does Internet Routing in Space Mean for the CTO?

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday, 23 November 2009, an Atlas V rocket from the United Launch Alliance successfully launched the Intelsat 14 satellite (IS-14). Liftoff of the Atlas V occurred at 1:55am ET. The satellite separated successfully two hours later. Today we received word that the satellite’s solar panels have deployed and all is well. Great launch! There is something [...] Related posts:

To Take Advantage of Cloud Computing You Must Unlearn, Luke

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:15:00 EST

One of the benefits of cloud computing is supposed to be efficiency, particularly in the utilization of compute resources. Over-provisioning of compute resources has long been one way in which IT combats the need for scalability and availability of applications but this often leaves a large percentage of compute resources unused. The utilization rule once employed as a means to ensure availability and performance of applications, i.e. no device or server should utilize more than X% of its resources at any time, is no longer acceptable as it wastes resources which in turn eats away at the bottom line.

ENISA Cloud Computing Risk Assessment

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:15:00 EST

The ENISA (European Network and Information Security Agency) today released the Cloud Computing Risk Assessment document. The document does well by including a focus on SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises) because, as the report says, "Given the reduced cost and flexibility it brings, a migration to cloud computing is compelling for many SMEs".

Moving to the Cloud: The Road Ahead

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST

I hope it’s clear that today’s clouds are powerful resources that can be used to rapidly develop and deploy applications; they provide on-demand resources and true value. The challenges I outlined in configuration, storage, networking, and management really come into play when you try to integrate the power of the cloud with your existing infrastructure and processes. These challenges are centered on the fact that the cloud is separate from the data center – a problem that hits home when you want to utilize existing applications and rely on your existing services and infrastructure.

Seven Warning Signs Your Company Won’t Survive

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

In these difficult times are you doing enough for your business? Will you bring excuses to the next board meeting or can you justify and demonstrate that you have taken control of your business' performance. Companies with flawed pricing strategies are easy to spot: they are never the market leader, they always struggle, they are always the runner up, and they have revolving doors at the executive suite. Fortunately, you have a choice and this article will guide you towards a better fate and a higher chance of surviving the current economy.

Nice Screens, Shame About the Dancing

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST

I have not seen the stores in person, but from a distance I really, really like what Microsoft has done with its retail presence. Sure it looks vaguely familiar to Apple's stores, but big whoop. The wall to wall screens are brilliant.

However, I am now second-guessing whether I'd actually want to step inside a store and be trampled by line-dancing geeks rocking out to Will.I.Am and Fergie. Sheesh.

I'd love to see the look on the guy who walked up to cash to buy his Windows 7 upgrade and got stuck watching this horror show. "Umm, can I, excuse me, can I pay for this ... EXCUSE ME!!!"

And check the "Oh please God don't let my buddies see this" look on the face of some of the staffers."

As spotted in Gizmodo ...

Facebook, Twitter LinkedIn, Ulitzer, MeettheBoss - Execs Go Online Big-Time

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

A study run by online business networking service www.MeettheBoss.com shows that executives are spending an extra 11 hours a month online sharing their professional experiences and learning from their peers. The survey asked its executive users what direct value they gained from spending time running blogs, writing tweets and connecting with other executives on sites such as LinkedIn, Xing, MeettheBoss, Ryze, Facebook, Ulitzer and Twitter.

COSS BI: Open Source, Open Core or Openly Naked?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:45:00 EST

Peter Yared wrote recently a BusinessWeek guest blog post called “Failure of Commercial Open Source Software.” Not surprisingly his post caused a lot of angry replies from people who work for COSS companies. “The emperor is not naked” they argued. I believe that the COSS emperor is openly naked. And the discussion shouldn’t be whether COSS [...]

Who Invented Virtualization?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST

I’m willing to make this little bet with you: Most people of a certain age are more than willing to bet folding green that IBM ‘invented’ virtualization. Gen-any-letters will bet VMware with confidence. You will win either way. Today’s burgeoning virtualization market is a different story. And in that story, VMware is the dad.

How Economic Challenges Help Enterprise 2.0

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST

Enterprise 2.0 is described by Carl Frappaolo and Dan Keldsen as, "a system of web based technologies that provide rapid and agile collaboration, information sharing, emergence and integration capabilities in the extended enterprise." It is basically social networking for businesses. This article explores how the recent economic challenges are promoting the growth of Enterprise 2.0 in businesses.

Just What Exactly Is Email For?

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:30:00 EST

I don’t know about you, but when I get long emails my eyes go running around my head. Too many words for me to take in during a busy day when I’m sure I’m suffering from some form of ADHD as I try to multitask beyond human capability. So I ask folks to please, please, puLEASE not send me long emails. But they do anyway. And then they get mad when I don’t read them – especially when they’ve written something personal. They actually expect me to put down what I’m doing and read a one-way missive, interpret what they are meaning and feeling against how I interpret their words, then gather my own thoughts and feelings along the way that I can’t manage cuz the communication is one-way and obviously my thoughts and feelings have no credence – and then, then… then what? I can’t remember what I was thinking and feeling with each paragraph or thought, so I have to go back. And god forbid if I miss something!!

Cloud Computing Can Revitalize Your Career as Software Developer

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:45:00 EST

Everyone knows that the longevity and ultimate success of a platform lies in the developers willing to create on that platform. Creating a healthy developer ecosystem in which both the developer and the platform vendor can grow and prosper is very important. No one knows this better than Microsoft. It has long been their mantra that “developers, developers, developers” are the key to success. With most of the new large scale websites and platforms being launched on open source platforms and now the cloud, this is becoming even more important.

Markets Are Networks

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST

I gave a keynote at theCanadian Marketing Association's Marketing Week conference in Toronto a couple of days ago. It was a new talk, and I tried to structure it carefully. I've gone through my slides, and here's an extended summary of what I said (or meant) in this 35-minute ...

Madoff Programmers Busted

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:15:00 EST

Two Madoff computer programmers who authorities say made the whole decades-long $65 billion Ponzi scheme possible were arrested Friday and brought up on criminal charges of conspiracy, falsifying the books and records of a broker-dealer and falsifying the books and records of an investment advisor. The SEC, which never tumbled to the ripoff before Madoff up and confessed last December, added civil charges.

Questions Data Center Operators Don’t Want You to Ask

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST

We live in a world of clouds, SaaS, outsourcing, and Everything over IP (EoIP). The challenges IT professionals face when trying to sort through the maze of technology, globalization, SOX, HIPPA, PUE, and on,… result in daunting confusion. Mix in a few overzealous sales people, an inquiring CFO, incorrigible users within the organization, and you have all the pre-requisites for a world class, globalized, migraine headache.

Top Five Considerations When Retiring Legacy Applications

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST

As organizations modernize to meet computing demands, they face enormous challenges when it comes the topic of retiring old applications. Consigning old applications to the backburner in favor of newer, safer, more stable, and more user-friendly systems is never as easy as it sounds. Most CIOs and tech department heads share this challenge – and the problem is more pronounced when the confines of regulatory, budget, and time requirements are taken into consideration.

A Swift Kick to the IPv6 Backside

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST

The institutional horror stories continue, the old Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) address space is nearly gone, and if we do not transition to IPv6 with its nearly unlimited address space the Internet will grind to a halt.

New Media First Movers May Not Win

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:15:00 EST

When an enterprise declares its intention to implement Web 2.0, it could be attempting to do one of the following things: Use social networking sites available on the web (Blog, FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.) to reach out to their customers to … … sell to them … provide after sale services Use technologies classified under Web 2.0 (Wiki, Blog, [...]

Enterprise 2.0 and Mobile Software Applications

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:05:00 EST

The term Enterprise 2.0 is receiving a lot of press these days (see definition of Enterprise 2.0). In this article we are going to discuss possible use cases for Enterprise 2.0 in the context of enterprise mobile applications. Carl Frappaolo and Dan Keldsen defined Enterprise 2.0 in this way, "a system of web based technologies that provide rapid and agile collaboration (kudos for buzz words), information sharing, emergence and integration capabilities in the extended enterprise." The bottom line, unstructured information sharing tools for use by the enterprise.

4th International Cloud Expo: Photo Album

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST

SYS-CON's 4th International Cloud Computing Conference & Expo, held on November 2 – 4, 2009, in Santa Clara, attracted more than 50 sponsors with over 2,200 delegates, a record attendance. The three content-packed days emphasized value with a rich array of sessions led by exceptional speakers about the business and technical value of cloud computing. Enjoy here the photo album of the show.

The Cloud Computing Kettle Heats Right Up

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

The past month has seen an unprecedented concentration of Cloud-related articles, events, tweets, and - above all - product launches, partnership announcements and M&A moves. So is Cloud Computing, after three years, finally coming to the boil? Here, by way of allowing you to judge for yourself, SYS-CON's Cloud Computing Journal brings you a timeline of the trajectory of the Cloud so far.

Industry Experts Discuss the State of Cloud Computing

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:15:00 EST

"With cloud computing, price to deploy applications goes through the floor while flexibility to scale those applications goes through the ceiling!" says WaveMaker CEO Chris Keene, in this lively round-up of The State of Cloud Computing compiled and published by Conference Chair Jeremy Geelan. 4th International Cloud Computing Conference & Expo is taking place this week at the Santa Clara Convention Center (November 2-4, 2009).

The Top 150 Players in Cloud Computing

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:45:00 EDT

A robust ecosystem of solutions providers is emerging around cloud computing.Here, SYS-CON's Cloud Computing Journal expands its popular list of most active players in the fast-emerging Cloud Ecosystem, from the 'mere' 100 we identified back in January of this year, to half as many again - testimony, if any further were needed, to the fierce and continuing growth of the "Elastic IT" paradigm throughout the world of enterprise computing.

Oracle+MySQL Opponents Take to the Barricades

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:45:00 EDT

Monty Widenius, the creator of the MySQL open source database – which is apparently all that stands between Oracle and its acquisition of Sun – thinks that Oracle shouldn’t have his baby and that the European Commission – whose investigation into MySQL has put the Oracle-Sun merger in limbo – should force Oracle to spit it out to another company.

What is Enterprise Cloud Computing?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EDT

What is enterprise cloud computing? Simply stated, it’s a behind-the-firewalls use of commercial, Internet-based cloud technologies specifically focused on one company’s or one business environment’s computing needs. Enterprise cloud computing is a controlled, internal place that offers the rapid and flexible provisioning of compute power, storage, software, and security services to meet your mission’s demands.

IBM Exec Out on Bail as Galleon Sinks Below the Waves

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:15:00 EDT

Galleon Group, the $3.7 billion hedge fund at the center of the insider trading ring that the government, its wire taps and a reportedly secret SEC data-mining project exposed last Friday, is liquidating its funds and shutting down following what amounts to a run on the bank, according to a letter sent to its investors Wednesday. Buyers are reportedly at the ready. Galleon has big positions in Google among others and was one of the three biggest technology hedge funds. If it dumps its stock, it could bring prices down.

Is IaaS Doomed? (The Term, Not the Concept.)

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EDT

Actually, I quite agree with Beil's assertion. As far as acronyms go, IaaS is about as bad as they get. The fact that your infrastructure is provided "as a service" is an obviously important aspect, but in reality it's not the only or most important driver when looking at implementing a cloud like infrastructure. API's and other various "web services" are quickly becoming pervasive, just about everything built recently is being provided as a service, or has some kind of web services available. And if by chance it doesn't, then you're probably going to steer clear anyway. I'd say things like scalability, elasticity, federation, application efficiency, metering/chargeback, self service access, open api's and system automation are just as important if not more. So I ask, how important is it that your infrastructure is described as a service?

Adaptivity & Cloud Computing: Exclusive Q&A with CEO Tony Bishop

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:45:00 EDT

Adaptivity provides integrated solutions that automate IT Delivery optimization across enterprise computing environments. In this exclusive Q&A for Cloud Computing Journal with SYS-CON's Cloud Computing Expo Conference Chair, Jeremy Geelan, Tony Bishop – CEO of Adaptivity – discusses Adaptivity’s “IT Transformation Factory” and their Cloud Computing strategy.

US Federal Government is Major Cloud Computing Innovator

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:45:00 EDT

"Many people don't realize - or forget - that some of our greatest advancements in the 20th century grew out of innovation in the space and intel programs in the Federal government. We may be returning to that with regard to Cloud Computing." In this brief interview with SYS-CON's Cloud Computing Journal, JP Morgenthal discusses Cloud Computing, service-orientation and SaaS/PaaS.

Cloud Will Become Pervasive: 3Tera CEO

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:07:00 EDT

"Virtualization requires massive volume to be profitable. Cloud computing will enable that massive volume." With succinct sound bites like that, it is not surprising that Barry X Lynn, CEO of 3Tera, is much in demand as a speaker at conferences devoted to Cloud & Virtualization. In this brief interview with SYS-CON's Cloud Computing Journal, Lynn discusses the current buoyant state of cloud computing, including the whys and the wherefores of its growing success and pervasiveness.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service Will Mature in 2010: Microsoft's David Chou

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT

While acknowledging that lots of work is currently being done to differentiate and integrate private and public cloud solutions, Microsoft Architect David Chou believes that Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) is the area of Cloud Computing that will make its impact most noticeably in 2010 - especially for startups, and small-medium sized businesses. In this quickfire mini-interview with SYS-CON's Cloud Computing Journal, Chou also mentions who he deems to be the Top Five Companies in the Cloud as at Fall 2009. One of the five he chooses, hardly surprisingly, begins with M.

Cloud Computing Journal Continues To Publish World's Best Cloud Analysts

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT

Only one publication in the world has been tracking Cloud Computing 24x7 since December 6, 2006, when we first mentioned the concept in an article: Cloud Computing Journal. Since then worldwide interest in the Cloud paradigm of massively scalable IT resources and capabilities delivered as a service using Internet technologies has been mushrooming at a breakneck pace.

What If Darl McBride Gets Fired?

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EDT

Darl McBride, the CEO of SCO and the industry’s favorite pariah, expects to get fired any minute now. He expects to get fired because he’s adamantly opposed to winding SCO down, laying off its people and settling the company’s litigation against Novell and IBM for chump change, which is the way he sees things going if the Chapter 11 trustee put in charge of SCO keeps going down the path he appears to be going down – despite the fact that the trustee told McBride when he got there that he thinks there is “significant value in the litigation.”

Are Mobile Luddites Resisting Mobility?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EDT

This week I had my attention drawn by a few interesting articles that seem to suggest that the increase into Enterprise Mobility has not occured yet. I am stating... 'Come into the Light of the Mobile Age or be DOOMED!', that is my call to the Mobile Luddites.

My Prediction of Cloud & SOA in 2005

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EDT

Okay, maybe it's petty and I'm just tooting my own horn, but I found this old article I wrote for Upstream CIO's October issue (written in July '05). In rereading this article today, I surprised myself how aware I was of the forthcoming Cloud & SOA convergence. The popularity of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is gaining ground [...]

Agile Adoption – Crossing the Chasm

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EDT

Everybody acknowledges that IT has to plays a key role in any new service or product design. Therefore, IT needs to align with business and be flexible to changing business needs. It is a question of how to be agile rather than should we be agile. Then, why is there such a gulf between the people who evangelize agile processes and those who look at them with great suspicion? Any application is built to satisfy a business goal. The process has two major steps where the step one is to define the application behavior which will help in meeting the business goal and the step two is to translate the application behavior to a working application. The definition of the application behavior is the requirement specification and it is the link between business and IT. In the waterfall methodology, development starts after the requirement is frozen. It is assumed that if business users can unambiguously and comprehensively specify the application behavior, IT can build the application satisfying the stated behavior. All the management practices based on waterfall methodology is build around this assumption. Times have changed and many of the IT applications are an integral part of the product or service offering. Significant part of the users are external to the organization. The focus has shifted from following the best practices to having innovative offering. If all these points are added up, it becomes clear that requirements will change. This has led to the realization that we need agile processes which works when requirements are constantly changing rather than spending time and energy on freezing requirement. As a result agile processes were born. The key principle behind any agile processes is to have a mechanism where the users can try out the application as it is being built and give feedback so that: - Gap in understanding is reduced - Sub-optimal solution can be improved - Application can be realigned to any change in business goal