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This Week in Cloud, December 1, 2011: New offerings from Fujitsu, Alcatel-Lucent, Hitachi and VMware. Why Google gets no respect (from developers), 10 steps to transform desktops to universal cloud clients. And more…

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Cloud News

  • Research published by Cisco predicts that cloud traffic will grow 12-fold by 2015. The research also states that most networks aren’t ready to handle advanced cloud apps. Read more in this InfoWorld article.
  • Fujitsu launched the Cloud Connect Communication suite that provides unified collaboration and communication tools for the Cisco HCS platform. Applications include video conferencing, WebEx, collaboration, instant messaging and telepresence. Other solutions rolled out include the Cloud Connect Voice service to manage PBX hardware and software and the Cloud Connect Managed Mobile service. Read this IT Pro article for more.
  • Alcatel-Lucent has introduced the CloudBand cloud computing platform that will help operators guarantee bandwidth so they can deliver SLAs around priority and quality of service, according to thisEmbedded Computing article.
  • In the face of competition from Apple and Google’s cloud services, the team behind Microsoft’s SkyDrive cloud storage service outlined its thinking on what the company needs to do with its cloud strategy. Read more in this PC Mag article.
  • Hitachi plans to sell cloud-based systems that merge and analyze data collected from diverse sources such as roads, shipping, energy grids and mass transport, according to this PC World article.
  • VMware introduced Caldecott, a Ruby-based tool that enables developers to migrate application data between different Cloud Foundry clouds. Read more in this eWeek article.

Feature article

As cloud becomes a teenager, it is time for adult supervision!

By Andi Mann, CA Technologies

James Staten at Forrester recently published his Top 10 Cloud Predictions for 2012. In it, James talks about how cloud is maturing, and warns of the challenges as cloud enters, as he describes it, "the awkward teenage years.” It is a great piece, and I really love this analogy. I have been using it myself recently, as it fits and resonates so well. It also perfectly highlights the growing need for 'adult supervision' in cloud computing.

As a toddler, cloud was not expected to have any maturity, discipline, self-control, or to understand the real world. So we all just did our best to help it grow, resigned in the process to just clean up after it and at least to prevent any life-threatening injuries. Read the full article.

Cloud Views

  • In this GigaOm blog, Barb Darrow explains why Google gets no respect (from developers). The article also includes an interesting counterpoint on why Google tools are better for business than you’d think.
  • Read about 10 steps for transforming desktops to universal clients for the cloud in this Tech Republic article. Article author Jeanne Morain has also recently published a book on the topic that provides additional guidance and detail. Morain is also one of Andy Mann’s co-authors for the Visible Ops Private Cloud Book.
  • This CIO article debates whether public or private clouds are cheaper for the enterprise.
  • This PCWorld article explores five points to consider when deciding whether or not to move to the cloud. Making the list are: lower cost of ownership, dependability, scalability, mobility and future-proofing.
  • Will supercomputers live only in the cloud? Read why David Linthicum thinks so in this PC World article.

MSP Corner

  • After the Talkin’ Cloud websites (which run in the cloud) experienced poor performance issues, Joe Panettieri wrote this blog titled, ‘My Confession: Why SMBs need MSPs for reliable cloud services.’
  • Thrive Networks, the managed services business owned by Staples, is building a cloud services platform for small businesses. ThriveCloud services will include hosted Exchange and hosted Microsoft Small business Server, aimed at customers with 10 to 250 employees. Read this Talkin’ Cloud article for more.

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