[LINK] IT warned: Cloud could make you look bad

[Bernard Robertson-Dunn]

Scott Howard wrote:
> On Thu, May 21, 2009 at 8:51 PM, Bernard Robertson-Dunn
> <brd at iimetro.com.au>wrote:
>
>   
>> A quote from the article:
>> <the cloud "will come to be viewed as the fastest, cheapest and easiest
>> way to source basic commodity ICT services".>
>>
>> A question from the article
>> <why [do] in-house ICT services take so long and are so expensive to
>> deploy compared to cloud-based services>
>>
>> My answer:
>> <because most in-house ICT services are not "basic commodity ICT services">
>>     
>
>
> I think you're reading to much into the question - the way I see it they
> comparing deployments of equivalent systems - ie, an in-house Email system
> v's a cloud-based email system.
>
>   
In-house email is very close to a commodity system , apart from the 
content, which is very much unique to both individuals an the enterprise.

However there are many other in-house systems that I would hope were 
never put on a cloud. Defence, Centrelink, Medicare and the ATO have 
some that spring to mind.

The article does not draw a distinct to between commodity ICT and 
specialist in-house information systems, although the research note 
might. And this is my point. You know the difference, I know the 
difference and so do many Linkers. But there are others in decision 
making positions who may jump to unfounded conclusions.
> Whilst your answer correct to some extent, I think you're missing the point
> of the "cloud" approach.
>   
I didn't make any comment about the "cloud" approach, only that it is 
not suitable for many in-house ICT systems.

It's also not a very new concept. What's the conceptual difference 
between cloud computing and old fashioned mainframe timesharing, modern 
ASPs and straight forward internet hosting?

-- 
 
Regards
brd

Bernard Robertson-Dunn
Canberra Australia
brd at iimetro.com.au