Local Cloud, virtualization and more.

Even as cloud computing has been around for quite awhile, most organisation  will likely not to jump straightaway to cloud. Most will approach it first using hybrid method. Moving the least sensitivity and lesser risk apps to cloud while majority applications are still retain in the traditional computing system. It will then evolved in phases. Some organisation will then start to offer to user the computing resources as utility based product. Let's take a look at virtualization as it is the main driver of cloud computing.

Virtualization witin the organisation can be segmented to three types:-

• Server Virtualization
• Using VMware, Hyper-V, Zoning
• Application Virtualization
• Software technology that separate from underlying OS
• Presentation Virtualization
• example is "Thin Client"

Type of server virtualizations

• Microsoft Hyper-V based on window 2008 server
• VMware based on linux & window server
• VMware ESX Server 3i, 3.5
• VirtualCentre 2.5

 Type of thin client

• Sun's Sun Ray ( Sun Virtual desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
• HP VDI  & 6720t Mobile thin client(including Neoware)
• Dell ( e.g OptiPlex & Flexible computing solution)

Why Virtualised?

• Cost
• Reduces administration
• Fast Deployment
• Reduced Infrastructure Cost 

Not suited for cloud :

• Security sensitive data & app
• Graphic Intensive app
• Business Intelligence and data warehousing

Best Practices 

• Find the right vendor
• Read the fine print
• Measure the performance
• Spread service across more than one reliable cloud vendor
• Data should be easily view & port over by owner
• Data security and data flow
• Phase by phase approach

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Based on Gartner's prediction on Cloud Computing Market

Phase I : 2007 -2011 (Pioneer & Trailblazer)

• Cloud Market development phase, and SEAP(service enabled application platform)

Phase II : 2010 -2013 (Could Market consolidation)

• By 2012, SEAP market will be overcrowded with broad range of cloud solutions

Phase III : 2012 - 2015 & beyond (mainstream critical mass & commoditization)

• Cloud market matures and small dominating cloud player providing de facto standards.

References:
Cloud Computing- A Practical Approach, by Anthony T.Velte, Toby J Velte & Robert Elsenpeter (McgrawHill)