The Cloud Continues to Follow Moore’s Law

In the field of cloud computing, much has changed in recent years.  Our ability to process large quantities of data and apply high-octane computing to various problems continues to grow at a fantastic rate.  While there are many security issues that remain relevant in cloud computing, a recent FiRe panel featuring Dave Campbell, CTO of Cloud and Enterprise, Microsoft, Mathew Lodge, VP Cloud Services VMware, David Nelson, Chief Strategist, Cloud Computing, Boeing, and Michael Liebow, Global Managing Director, Accenture Cloud Platform agreed that at this point, there is no getting out of the cloud.

When questioned by Greg Ness, VP of WorldWide Marketing at CloudVelocity and SNS’ Ambassador for Cloud Computing, the panel agreed that the cloud is so efficient as to have become absolutely necessary to firms looking to remain competitive.  While security issues remain, panelists noted that despite the “four walls and a ceiling” nature of traditional data centers (which come with a sense of security one panelist termed “the Hogwarts illusion”) the risks involved in using the cloud are not in actuality much higher.  What is more, the necessary nature of cloud usage means that regardless of security risks, the proverbial show must go on.  In this context, solving these security problems is the only option. Unfortunately, as Chris Lewicki stated last night, “When failure is not an option, success can be very expensive.”

So where does this leave us?  The cloud continues to grow and become increasingly indispensable in the computing world.  Luckily, we are reaching a point very near unlimited potential for data processing.  The ugly part of this involves the need for governance and control of a footloose new field.  However, it was suggested that in part market incentives for securing the cloud will likely take increasing hold.

It is notable that a shift to cloud computing is in large part a cultural change.  While cloud usage is advantageous to be sure, it remains capital intensive. These high capital inputs are matched by efficiencies unparalleled in the past, allowing for computing tasks and data analysis never before imaginable.  What is more, as the cloud matures as a tool of production, shifting roles in management will become a reality.  The real point of the matter remains that with “25-50% price declines” the cloud is steadily ushering in a new era of computing which shows no signs of stopping.