Cloud Computing to Quickly Commoditize Services Offerings

Much of attention is being given to cloud computing. This recent type of computing services delivery has caught the attention of technology executives that are out of capacity, as well as financial executives who are looking to curb the costs of information services within their organization. All this attention has driven cloud computing from being a business concept to one of the fastest growing segments of the IT industry. In fact several believe cloud government computing will grow to an estimated $6 billion to $8 billion by 2015. One report forecasted a 40 percent compound annual growth rate (CGAR). These forecasts and the numerous announcements about cloud offerings are clear evidence of the interest in the cloud. This has given rise to the belief that cloud initiatives are the top priority of technology executives around the globe.

While the picture sure looks rosy, there are many expressing concern.  It is not so much about the technology as it is the cost model. Obscure fees and charges could abound in a cloud services environment and should be thoroughly investigated before signing an agreement. Perhaps the best advice ever given was 'Know Your Vendor.' Some architectural strategists caution the IT community to proceed with caution and not to fall victim to the technology hype that often accompanies recently introduced technology offerings.  After spending some time examining the current state of cloud computing, the following represent a few of the more interesting findings.

Top Findings

IT organizations must take a comprehensive approach to security as they address consolidation, virtualization and automation in the cloud. The best cloud advice given to date is that organizations would be well advised to walk before they run when it comes to moving to a cloud computing model. Organizations currently considering leveraging a cloud platform are focused on how to use the cloud securely. Small pilot programs and proof of concept initiatives are the best course of action given the current level of maturity of many vendors and potential tenants for the cloud. Take your time, the migration from traditional data models to public and private cloud models should occurs in phases. Learn as you go and mitigate your risks.