* Setting out key characteristics of a cloud computing solution
In a previous newsletter we discussed the fact that in spite of all of the hyperbole that surrounds cloud computing, there is not a widely accepted definition of what is meant by the phrase. Further proof of that assertion comes from an article in the trade press that identified 21 different definitions of cloud computing. In order to help IT organizations analyze the viability of cloud computing in their environment, the next two newsletters will discuss what we see as some of the key characteristics of a cloud computing solution.
In a previous newsletter we discussed the fact that in spite of all of the hyperbole that surrounds cloud computing, there is not a widely accepted definition of what is meant by the phrase. Further proof of that assertion comes from an article in the trade press that identified 21 definitions of cloud computing. In order to help IT organizations analyze the viability of cloud computing in their environment, the next two newsletters will discuss what we see as some of the key characteristics of a cloud computing solution.
FAQ: Cloud computing demystified
When we think of cloud computing we focus on two key goals: saving money and providing IT services in a more elastic fashion. The advantage of looking at cloud computing this way is that it minimizes the importance of issues such as is the wide area network that connects users to cloud computing services always the Internet? While it is possible to look these issues as merely implementation details, the breadth of these implementation details is one of the reasons why we have so many definitions of cloud computing.
Unfortunately, there is not a litmus test to determine if a particular service is or is not a cloud computing service. For example, most cloud computing solutions are based on extensive virtualization of the IT infrastructure. This makes sense because virtualization tends to lower cost and increase the elasticity of provisioning IT services. Hence, it is tempting to say that a cloud computing service must be based on virtualization. Unfortunately, stating that a cloud computing service must be based on virtualization would be in conflict with what is happening in the marketplace.
For example, Verizon recently announced a cloud computing service. As part of that service, IT organizations can gain access to a virtual server provided by Verizon. They can, however, also gain access to a server that has not been virtualized. As a result, the Verizon cloud computing service is an example of a cloud service that does not necessarily depend on virtualization.
The next newsletter will continue our discussion of cloud computing. In the mean time we invite you to participate in a really important and interesting survey on the topic of cloud computing. The goal of the survey is to cut through the hype that surrounds cloud computing and identify exactly what IT organizations are doing today, and are likely to do over the next two years relative to cloud computing. You can access the survey here.
