F5 Expo Session 1: Cloud Computing
Yesterday I went to the revitalized Massive Media Technology show, called the F5 Expo. A jam-packed day of sessions, a trade show, and keynote with author Malcolm Gladwell, F5 was an overall success (once you got in…), attended by a good 1000+ crowd in various industries. There were quite a few sessions, and mini-workshops in the trade show area, all of which I couldn’t go to. But I did take in a good 4 hours of sessions, which was enough for me for one day.
My first session was on Cloud Computing. Panelists included Howie Wu - Co-Founder and CEO of LayerBoom Systems, Mark Cunningham - Co-Founder & CEO of Indicee, Ryan Storgaard - Director of Cloud Services Strategy for Microsoft Canada (also exhibiting in the trade show) and were moderated by Rajan Sodhi - VP Marketing of Peer 1 Hosting.
Howie explained Cloud Computing as the 3rd generation computer. There is still much debate even in the IT world about what the definition of a cloud is, but my definition can be explained by MobileMe, which is a service I use to sync my iPhone and desktop computer contacts. My contacts are stored in an online database “cloud” so that both devices always have the correct info.
We’re already using Cloud Computing systems: Flickr, Facebook, Google’s Gmail, etc. are all sites or networks that work as a cloud. But it can’t just be a website – it must have some social interaction or information sharing on its platform. So how do clouds affect us and our business?
As outlined in this month’s Make it Business issue, Editor Victor Chew Wong says that there are huge advantages in the Cloud vs. desktop computing, one of which may be cost. Howie mentioned that Salesforce.com is one of those systems with variable costs, depending on what your needs and usage are.
Another advantage is security. Although there are still legislation issues in BC surrounding cloud systems, it can be as secure as a physical server, and can be even more secure (ie. Google Docs) than emailing spreadsheets of data around. The level of security you’ll need for your company will vary from another’s, and you should make sure before you sign any agreements that a good service level and a third party auditor are mentioned. Oddly enough, Cloud computing systems have forced companies to look at their own level of security. I’d highly encourage you to read Make It Business’s feature story on Vida Spas and i-worx to see how a Cloud system improved Vida’s business.
Howie also stated that we’ll probably start off with hybrid systems – like Computershare‘s Sharepoint site that I’m using when working there – before all servers start to get converted to clouds. It will also depend on consumer demand – just like people needed to get comfortable with E-Commerce to shop online, or do online banking. Ryan said it was a no-brainer – cloud computing is inevitable. Kids today are so tech savvy that it’s only a matter of time before it’s common knowledge for software to immediately work in our daily lives.
Favourite cloud apps that the panelists use are Google Apps, 37 Cities (a virtual office site I assume), and Mapping. I personally love my iPhone map.
Next session: Search Marketing
