Features

Enterprise Clouds Require Service-Level Discipline

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:15:00 EST

The Enterprise Cloud Requires a real time infrastructure and a management discipline that understands and can enforce service level discipline. Organizations have become increasingly dependent on technical infrastructure to enable customer interactions. As such, the business has a vested interest in making sure its technology partners understand what constitutes good customer experience so that it’s prepared for projected volumes and rapidly knows how to resolve any impediments.

Ensuring Secure Self-Service Through Virtualization

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:15:00 EST

Remember the days when banking had to be done in the branch? Regardless of whether you were making a deposit, withdrawal or just checking your balance, you had to drive to the local branch during business hours to work through a bank teller. Long-distance travel became even more difficult because of the regional nature of bank chains.

Cloud Computing: A Security Analysis

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:45:00 EST

With its ability to provide users dynamically scalable, shared resources over the Internet and avoid large upfront fixed costs, cloud computing promises to change the future of computing. However, storing a lot of data creates a situation similar to storing a lot of money, attracting more frequent assaults by increasingly skilled and highly motivated attackers. As a result, security is one – if not the – top issue that users have when considering cloud computing.

Database as a Service: A Different Way to Manage Data

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

DaaS is the latest entrant into the “as a Service” realm and typically provides tools for defining logical data structures, data services like APIs and web service interfaces, customizable user interfaces, and data storage, backup, recovery and export policies. To ensure successful DaaS implementations, developers and database professionals need to address traditional challenges associated with data design and performance tuning. They will also need to address new challenges introduced by the lack of physical access for backup, recovery and integration.

Move Over BI, Here Comes PI - Performance Intelligence

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:30:00 EST

"As companies such as MySpace continue to expand the richness of their site, the big thing is trying to seek a higher level of customer experience by replicating "beyond capacity" in a test environment, so that a company can see what it is exactly that they will need when traffic surges to peak levels and beyond, so that they know the "risk points" of their own success," Tom Lounibos, CEO of SOASTA, told SYS-CON's Jeremy Geelan in an interview with Cloud Computing Journal on the day that SOASTA announced a significant test of the newly launched MySpace Music Videos hub using the Cloud.

Achieve Better, Faster & Cheaper Through Holistic Data Center Architecture

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

The three perpetual business demands of better, faster and cheaper may just be three of the best reasons to consider infrastructure virtualization. Today’s virtualization technologies, properly architected and deployed, can provide significant benefit to organizations working to evolve their IT infrastructure from an inflexible collection of individual assets into a system capable of rapidly adapting to meet business demands.

The Intersection of Data Virtualization and Enterprise Data Warehouses

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

Large enterprises and government agencies are drowning in data. IT teams deploy a myriad of data warehouse-centric solutions – BI, predictive analytics, data and content mining, portals and dashboards – to harness and deliver data for intelligent decision-making. Yet, large enterprises are also expected to act like start-ups: nimble, agile and flexible to adapt to ever-changing market conditions.

The Five Layers within Cloud Computing

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

As a preface to the series of articles I will be writing on the Value Proposition and Business Cases for Cloud Computing, I wanted to discuss the layers below and within the cloud. It is important to understand what each of the layers is composed of, what the intended function of that layer is, and how these layers interact with each other. By simplifying the cloud computing concept into layers, it is easier to define the roles within the overall structure and explain where your business fits into the model.

Down-to-Earth Contracts that Keep the Cloud Aloft

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:45:00 EST

This article looks at the basic interoperability requirements when communicating with the Cloud, and in particular at techniques and standards used to express and enforce wire-level contracts between communicating parties, as these parties are increasingly also contracting parties in a Cloud environment. Many standards already developed for Web services and service-oriented architectures provide to the communicating parties a good understanding and control of the expected quality of service at the most basic level of the interaction.

New Approach to Cloud Security Needed

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:15:00 EST

Arguably the greatest barrier to businesses taking full advantage of cloud computing is the issue of security. Recent high-profile breaches of the cloud (the attack on Twitter being perhaps the most publicized) have only served to heighten concerns. It’s true; the potential consequences of a breach of cloud security are catastrophic, and this knowledge has served to make the debate rage even more fiercely. A cloud security issue within an organization has the potential to be a major business crisis, and against a backdrop of heightened public awareness of data loss and privacy issues such as ID theft, it’s understandable.

Hybridfox: Cross of Elasticsfox and Imagination

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

Now we have a Eucalyptus' Private Cloud installed and running on our premise, and it remained kinda of an artifact in our data-center for sometime. So I thought why has not someone written anything about how make to make Elasticfox work with Eucalyptus. But there were quite a few pointers to what version will be ideally suited to use for Eucalyptus, like this one, thanks Ajmf. I took the cue from there, I enabled debugging on elasticfox, and used firebug to dig deeper. And I came up with Hybridfox, yeah, and it works.

Trusting the Cloud

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:30:00 EST

Trust is an important word in the world of security, and in cloud computing it’s an even bigger deal. Cloud computing offers up the promise that an organizations will be able to run any application from anywhere at any time. But in a multi-tenant environment, a cloud application running in a virtual machine might be located on any number of hosts in a virtualized datacenter, and running next to others’ virtual machines on those hosts.

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.

Make the Most of Cloud Computing with SOA

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EDT

While there are many attempts to fix the badly broken IT architectures within our enterprises, most ‘solutions’ just put another technology layer on top of the existing technologies in hopes that the technology will somehow fix the issues. As you may have guessed, it just makes things more complex. Few enterprises were willing to take the risk and address the core issues.

The Cloud Transition: What Does It Mean For You?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT

We are standing on the threshold of a new transition in information technology and communications; a radical departure from current practice that promises to bring us new levels of efficiency at a vastly reduced cost. Cloud computing is full of potential, bursting with opportunity and within our grasp. But, remember, that clouds always appear to be within our grasp and bursting clouds promise only one thing: rain!

The Economics of Cloud Computing Analyzed

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT

The President’s budget for fiscal year 2010 (FY10) includes $75.8B in information technology (IT) spending, which is a 7-percent increase from FY09. Of this, at least $20B will be spent on IT infrastructure investments. The FY11 budget for IT is projected to be nearly $88B. The government is actively seeking ways to reduce IT costs, and the FY10 budget request highlights opportunities for the federal government to achieve significant long-term cost savings through the adoption of cloud computing technologies.

MMORPGs on the Cloud

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EDT

MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) are a sub-set of computer games where a large number of virtual players interact with each other online in the virtual world provided by the game. Games like World of Warcraft (WoW) and EverQuest fall in this category.

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.

Why SOA Needs Cloud Computing - Part 1

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EDT

It’s Thursday morning, you’re the CEO of a large, publicly traded company, and you just called your executives into the conference room for the exciting news. The board of directors has approved the acquisition of a key competitor, and you’re looking for a call-to-action to get everyone planning for the next steps.

Exclusive Q&A with Rich Marcello - Unisys President, Systems & Technology

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 10:15:00 EDT

In this Exclusive Q&A with Cloud Computing Journal in the run-up to SYS-CON's 4th International Cloud Computing Conference & Expo (November 2-4, 2009) - Cloud Expo Conference Chair Jeremy Geelan speaks with Rich Marcello - Unisys President, Systems & Technology - about the Unisys Secure Cloud and sets the scene for the upcoming Unisys Cloud-in-a-box.

New Eco-Aware Data Center in Mauritius

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EDT

Mauritius may soon emerge as the next ecologically aware data center of choice for companies from the United States to Australia, due to its progressive approach to technological investment and overall national stability. Using an innovative Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) system pumping cool jets of ocean water from nearly 2000 meters down, this Indian Ocean island nation offers appealing corporate taxation and investment opportunities and boasts geo-political stability making it an attractive option for disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

Seeding The Cloud: The Future of Data Management

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EDT

Doing more with less is a familiar refrain for IT professionals, and today’s challenging business environment has only increased the pressure on managers to achieve efficiencies, maximize performance and improve responsiveness of the data center. More and more frequently, IT is turning to virtualization to accomplish its mission-critical goals. The hot new trend in cloud computing is a natural extension of this drive toward virtualization. In the case of the public cloud, IT can add processing power and infrastructure as needed, and in the case of the private cloud, IT can improve the utilization of existing infrastructure. In other words, cloud computing platforms offer IT the opportunity to increase efficiencies and become more agile, transforming the data center into an environment that delivers greater benefits to end-users.

Cloud Executives Feature on Cloud Computing Expo Power Panel

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EDT

Before the New York version of its International Cloud Computing Conference & Expo, which is about to be held again in Silicon Valley (Santa Clara Convention Center, 2-4 November, 2009), SYS-CON.TV invited four leading industry thought leaders to discuss how Cloud Computing brings the economics of the Web to Enterprise IT and where the move to the cloud will take the industry overall. The participants were Amazon.com VP & CTO, Werner Vogels; Rackspace CTO, John Engates; Booz Allen Hamilton Principal, Rod Fontecilla; and Sun's CTO of Global Sales & Services, Hal Stern.

Anatomy of Cloud Computing Platform

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EDT

As the IT operations continue to evolve and transform the business towards agility and adaptability to ever changing rules of marketplace, the efficiency of any IT operation is of paramount significance. The phrase ‘time to market' has a completely new meaning in today's dynamic business environment where the only constant is change. This rapidly changing environment has lead the IT and business leaders alike to re-think the ‘procurement to provisioning' process with one goal in mind - Efficient use of resources.

Managing Cloud Applications

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT

As enterprises evaluate if and how cloud computing fits into their core IT services, they must consider how they will manage cloud services as part of their day-to-day operations. This article examines how operational management of cloud computing differs from traditional methods, and examine techniques for addressing these needs.

Combining the Cloud with the Computing: Application Delivery Networks

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:45:00 EDT

IT executives are being asked to increasingly evaluate new cloud-based services to improve business agility while lowering operating and capital costs within the enterprise. Yet often very little is known about the “cloud” itself. How does it work? What new challenges does it present for the enterprise? While cloud vendors continue to roll-out new technology to capture the imagination of application development and IT organizations – one area continues to remain noticeably cloudy and overlooked – the cloud itself.

Build Reliability into Cloud Computing for SMBs

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EDT

With IP networks taking on many new challenges from VoIP, rich multimedia and other high-bandwidth consuming and high-priority applications, SMBs need to be sure the network connectivity between their business and Cloud Computing provider is protected with controls for reliable Internet circuit availability, and for optimizing delivery of traffic to critical applications.

Cloud Expo Power Panel on SYS-CON.TV

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:30:00 EDT

At its signature "International Cloud Computing Conference & Expo" event, held three times a year, SYS-CON Events prides itself on inviting knowledgeable and articulate industry executives to participate in its Power Panels - simulcast at every show direct from the keynote hall. In this wide-ranging Cloud Computing Power Panel at the 2nd International Cloud Computing Conference & Expo in New York, moderated by Conference Chair Jeremy Geelan, the participants are (left to right): Bert Amijo (3Tera), Ed Beauvais (EMC), Thorsten von Eicken (RightScale), John Engates (Rackspace), Daniel Beveridge (VIRTERA), Dr Kristof Kloeckner (IBM) and Owen Garrett (Zeus Technology).

Online Software Distribution Store on the Cloud

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EDT

On-demand software distribution and retail e-commerce are key growth strategies for software manufacturers to enhance their online revenues and increase market share. The online store presents unlimited opportunity for expansion – across the globe – to reach out to end consumers directly, which fuels revenue and customer growth.

The Cloud Bubble: Is Computing Becoming a Utility?

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:15:00 EDT

The Gartner Hype cycle research shows Cloud Computing as being on the peak of expectations… the very top of the hype bubble roller coaster. Vendors are looking for something to sell, and the consolidation of the data center, reducing operational cost and economy of scale are as convenient of an excuse as anything. There are some fundamental technologies as well that will make a big difference such as Virtualization.

The Benefits of Virtualization in a Cloud

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EDT

Small and medium businesses (SMBs) that have previously considered virtualization in the cloud but decided that it is too expensive or simply not viable should think again. Virtualization and cloud computing enables SMBs to green their operations and build IT infrastructures that are agile, resilient and highly scalable.

VMware Releases vCloud API Under Open Source License

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EDT

For anyone interested, VMware has launched their Vcloud API specification. They describe their new "open" vCloud API as an interface for providing and consuming virtual resources from the cloud. It enables deploying and managing virtualized workloads in internal and external clouds. The vCloud API allows for upload and download of vApps along with their instantiation, deployment and operation.

Cloud-Based Security – an Evolution, Not a Revolution

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EDT

Does this situation sound familiar? A company that you are very familiar with has just been the victim of a significant security incident. The clean-up has been complex and costly, as you’ve heard from multiple connections at other companies. And the president of your company has heard about it too. The bad news: your company is just as vulnerable, and you are responsible for dealing with the problem.

Will Cost Savings Continue to Be a Significant Driver for Cloud Computing?

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EDT

Yes, but it’s not the only driver. There can be substantial cost benefits when leveraging cloud computing but, as we pointed out, your mileage may vary. You have to consider the cost holistically with other factors, including strategic benefits that are typically harder to define but are there nonetheless.

5GL PaaS

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EDT

The debate has raged for some time now about the exact definition of a 5GL. One might argue that there also is still some debate going on about what exactly is a Platform as a Service PaaS. Throw together two semi-ambiguous industry-specific buzzwords and what do you get? Well, for all of you cynics out there, the answer is NOT "a great marketing opportunity!"

The Next Big "Cloud" Thing: VMWare’s Virtual Platform Stack

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EDT

VMWare’s purchase of SpringSource came as quite a shock to many in the industry. Why? Because, with this purchase, the Gorilla of Virtualization jumped from below the OS right smack up into application development and the runtime stack. Now they can deliver a Platform as a Service (Paas) for everyone under the sun …. or, as is more likely, the cloud. At first glance, you might wonder why VMware would make this move into the application development space

Web 2.0 Interconnectivity

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EDT

In the recent TechWise blog PaaS & the cloud Continuum we discussed the structure and phenomenon of Cloud computing. There really are two technological evolutions occurring simultaneously. One is the movement of storage and services to the cloud and the other is the push to interconnect these services. This shift to increased interconnectivity forms the basis of Web 2.0

Avoid Network Outages within SaaS and Cloud

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 22:45:00 EDT

A primary element of SaaS and cloud computing is the virtual datacenter or Virtual Platform Infrastructure (VPI). VPI refers to virtual machines and virtual platforms that rely on many additional physical and virtual infrastructure elements. Over the past few years, new infrastructure platforms such as virtual machines, virtual management, virtual switching/routing, virtual storage, and virtual system management have come together to help drive cloud computing.