Where was Dave? In the Cloud

I'm back. After about 6 months of not writing for this site I'm back to hit the issues around SaaS, and the now larger opportunities around cloud computing. Indeed, a lot has happened in the last 6 months, a lot is happening now, so there is much to say. No worries, this blog will be forward looking.

First, what the heck was I doing for the last 6 months? Let's just say I was actively building the cloud…looking to drive the technology into some unique directions. The idea was to do something different; the cloud is getting crowded, in case you haven't noticed.Second, in this blog we'll be looking at all aspects of the value of computing delivered as a service. This includes the latest offerings around SaaS, of course, but will also include my usual punditry and vision around the exploding world of cloud computing, in which SaaS is a component. Cloud computing is one of those buzzwords, like Web 2.0, that means many things. For the purposes of this blog we'll define cloud computing using part of the Wikipedia definition of cloud computing.

"It is a style of computing in which IT-related capabilities are provided 'as a service,' allowing users to access technology-enabled services from the Internet ('in the cloud') without knowledge of, expertise with, or control over the technology infrastructure that supports them."

Thus, it's the delivery of core enterprise infrastructure, over the Internet, providing opportunities to improve efficiency. Notice I said "opportunities to improve." Cloud computing is not always a slam-dunk for enterprises; you need to carefully consider what makes sense to outsource to a remote data center that you'll never even visit. As with any kind of new computing trends, those that just manage to fuel the hype will not find value, but those that look first at the business and then the technology will deliver true value.

So, this blog will not only focus on SaaS and cloud computing, but focus on what is reality, and where there are true opportunities for the enterprise. Moreover, we'll focus on steps to get there. It's one thing to say that you should begin to place your core business processes outside of the firewall, but another thing entirely as to how to get there, and how to define the business value. I suspect, like many new trends, the hype will drive many enterprises out into the cloud, but the wrong processes and the wrong reasons may lead to disaster. Consider yourself warned.

I'm back, and I'm ready to talk some SaaS. Let's figure out this space together.I'm back. After about six months of not writing for this site, I'm back to hit the issues... In this blog we'll be looking at all aspects of the value of computing delivered as a service. This includes the latest offerings around SaaS, of course, but will also include my usual punditry and vision around the exploding world of cloud computing.