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This Week in Cloud, December 15, 2011: New cloud security standards from the US federal government, IBM buys DemandTec, Why it’s so hard to talk about cloud, 2012 predictions roundup. And more…
Cloud News
- US CIO Steven VanRoekel unveiled the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), which establishes a set of baseline security and privacy standards that all cloud service providers will need to meet in order to sell their products to government agencies. FedRAMP will require that all federal agencies only use FedRAMP-certified cloud services and technologies and it will also provide federal agencies with standard procurement language to use in RFPs. Read more in this ComputerWorld article.
- IBM is purchasing SaaS vendor DemandTec for $440 million. DemandTec provides pricing, merchandising and marketing analytics for retail and consumer products companies. In this ZDNet article, IBM software and systems chief Steve Mills points out that IBM’s acquisition approach differs from some of its competitors because it is focused on targeting verticals.
- Microsoft announced plans to support open-source tools and technologies on its Windows Azure platform, according to this ZDNet article. In separate but related news, VMware partner Tier 3 is making available an open-source .Net framework implementation of the Cloud Foundry platform. Read this ZDNet article for more information.
- HP and Microsoft have announced a 4-year partnership to deliver public, private and hybrid cloud Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint and Lync services in highly regulated enterprise environments. For more information, read this Information Week article.
- IBM has released the Strategic IP Insight Platform, a cloud-based data analytics systems to support companies’ intellectual property efforts. The system searches the US Patent and Trademark Office, the European Patent Office and the World Intellectual Property Organization patent databases, as well as abstracts from MEDLINE, the US government’s scientific literature database, according to this article in Wired.
- Fujitsu has introduced a cloud service that will help customers manage the impacts of requirements when building information and communication systems, using the Tri-shaping methodology. Read more in this CBR Online article.
Feature article
When Cloud and Consumers Collide: Consumer-driven IT
By Adam Famularo, CA Technologies
It's no secret that the consumerization of IT is defining a new era of corporate computing, bringing with it both business opportunities and technical challenges. A host of technologies--ranging from cloud-computing services, mobile applications, social networks and mobile devices--are being introduced into the enterprise ecosystem by employees, business partners, customers, and corporate executives.
It's also no secret that consumer apps, hardware, communication, and platform technologies are giving people unprecedented flexibility in how, when, and where they do business. They're creating new and better ways for organizations to engage with people and markets, potentially strengthening customer loyalty and boosting revenues.
Read the full article, which includes key findings from an IDC research study on the consumerization of IT.
Cloud Views
- In this GigaOm blog, James Urquhart writes about ‘Why it’s so hard to talk about cloud,’ pointing out the challenges of using legacy terms like application to describe concepts that have been altered by newer models, namely service orientation and cloud computing.
- ‘Tis the season for 2012 predictions. Here are links to some of our favorite predictions and some of the ensuing discussion:
- From James Staten with Forrester: The awkward teenage years are upon us.
- Gartner released their predictions for 2012 and beyond. One interesting example: Gartner predicts that by 2015, the prices for 80 percent of cloud services will include a global energy surcharge.
- IDC predicts 2012 will be the year of mobile and cloud platform wars.
- Andi Mann with CA Technologies shares his 2012 predictions and reviews his predictions for 2011.
- Nati Shalom with GigaSpaces shares his predictions—highlights include moving from Amazon-centric clouds to cloud mashups and iCloud everywhere.
- Derrick Harris with GigaOm analyzes predictions from Gartner and IDC on big data and cloud computing.
- Ron Miller explains why he believes Gartner has underestimated cloud security concerns.
MSP Corner
- CA Technologies made enhancements to its ARCserve product and MSP Program, including the addition of a per-terabyte pricing option and the ability for CA ARCserve to handle cloud-based backups, and integration to Nimsoft, Kaseya and other monitoring platforms. Read this CRN article for more.
- Cisco has rolled out a new cloud-based service called OnPlus that offers small business-focused channel partners a way to easily and affordably provide network assessment, management and advisory services to customers, according to this eChannelLine article.
Upcoming Cloud Events
- Cloud Expo Europe: January 25 – 26, London, UK
- MSPWorld: February 1 – 3, Miami, FL
- Cloud Connect: February 13 – 16, Silicon Valley, CA
- Cloud/Gov: Plan, Implement, Succeed: February 16, Washington DC
