nGenx Blog

Lately, I have had the privilege to speak to many organizations and CEO’s about cloud computing. There have been several high profile outages at Google, Microsoft and others. As a result, I always get questions regarding the reliability of Desktop as a Service (DaaS). We provide an SLA for uptime, and I am always assuring prospective customers that their applications and data are more secure in the cloud than they are in their own IT shop. Although this is very true, it is received with much skepticism.

 Recently, I read a letter to the editor of The Economist magazine (May 21^st-27^th, 2011) that really supports my assertion. I think it is an excellent analogy and one I will borrow. Milo K. Martin, Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Pennsylvania writes:

• “I was disappointed that your article added to the hysteria that surrounds cloud computing (“Break-ins and breakdowns”, April 30^th). In my view cloud computing is like commercial aviation. Which is safer per-mile of travel: aircraft or automobile? Car crashes are responsible for more deaths, yet a plane crash is certain to make the news. For the same reason, cloud computing outages are considered newsworthy. Although the frequent down times of companies’ internal IT systems are less publicized (sic), these down times almost certainly cause more harm and lost productivity in aggregate (like car accidents).
• Air travel makes people uncomfortable, in part because of a loss of control, no matter how well trained and experienced the pilot may be. Similarly organizations (sic) fear cloud computing, preferring to be “behind the wheel.” Yet transportation statistics show that desire can be misguided.
• Aviation had its share of hype and detractors, but no one would argue that it has not transformed travel. I predict that once the dust settles, cloud computing will be no less transformative.”

 I couldn’t have said it better myself. Who among us would refuse to get on a plane? Don’t be afraid of the cloud and embrace change.

Cloud Computing is a buzzword that even my mother-in-law is aware of, even if she has no idea what I do for a living.  It is mainstream because of television advertising by Microsoft and IBM.  However, many business owners I talk to are still hesitant to take advantage of the scalability and cost advantages inherent in the cloud.  I read bar journals and commentary from so-called experts in the field that serve up a steady diet of horror stories and scare tactics that seem to be getting traction.  As a recovering attorney, I can tell you with confidence that this “Chicken Little” routine is nothing more than an attempt to jump on the band wagon and drum up new business in a lackluster legal business climate.

Yesterday, I was pleased to see that the Obama Administration, or at least the GSA, is standing up to these fear mongers and embracing the cloud.  In her blog, Marie Davie, Assistant Commissioner GSA FAS Office of Integrated Technology Services, busted four major myths regarding cloud computing.  In essence, she stated that a move to the cloud can be safe and secure, and the migration can be pain-free if managed appropriately.  She summarizes the benefits of cloud computing like this, “Cloud computing is a step forward in addressing the really big challenges we face:  budget and deficit crises, increasing greenhouse gas emissions, and a population in need of critical government services.  Cloud computing will enable a more efficient, sustainable and effective government for the American people.”

With this type of endorsement, the Obama Administration is taking on the fear mongers and luddites that are negative on the cloud.  They realize what most private industry will eventually embrace, that the cloud is here to stay.  I can now tell my mother-in-law with pride that my business model is supported by Obama.

http://gsablogs.gsa.gov/technology/2011/03/22/government-it-forecast-cloudy-with-a-chance-for-myth-busting/