Cloud Connect Silicon Valley is coming up fast and includes two new Private Cloud Workshops for attendees to choose from:

The Foundation for Private Cloud – Virtualization Management

Advanced Private Cloud – Automation, Self-Service and Cloud Management

Both of these courses will be taught by Barb Goldworm, President and Chief Analyst at FOCUS.  Barb is a phenomenal instructor and has published and spoken extensively on Private Clouds and Virtualization.  If you are planning or already implementing a private cloud, these are two must attend courses.

Here are Barb’s top 10 reasons to attend:

By Barb Goldworm, Cloud Connect Track Chair, Private and Hybrid Clouds

10. Get the BIG PICTURE view of the road from virtualization to cloud including recent trends

9. Assess where you are on this continuum and what steps you still have to take to successfully build your private cloud

8. Talk with others at the same stage, and those ahead of you, about how to solve the challenges you face now and in your next steps

7. Learn how to leverage all the work you’ve done in virtualization so far, to help you get to cloud

6. Learn where hypervisors should fit, and whether/how to live in a multi-hypervisor world

5. Learn where the potholes are on the road to cloud, and how to navigate around them

4. Hear a rapid fire perspective comparing the major cloud stacks to help figure out what’s right for you

3.  Cut through the hype of hundreds of virtualization and cloud management tools to see what’s real and what’s not

2. Learn about the relationship between cloud stacks, self-service portals, and cloud management tools

1. Learn what you need to take home a plan to get from the virtual infrastructure you have TODAY to the private cloud you want to have THIS YEAR!

Troy Angrignon is a sales and marketing executive with sixteen years experience in the IT arena, spanning network consulting services, enterprise software, software as a service, web 2.0 software, and cloud computing. As VP Sales & Marketing, Troy is responsible for working with the team to ensure that Cloudscaling is building market focused solutions that serve our client’s business needs.
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Tags: CIO cloud cloud computing cloud connect hybrid clouds private clouds

A post by Scott Bils Partner, Everest Group & Organizational Readiness and Business Cases Track Chair.

Cloud Connect Silicon Valley is just around the corner. Once again we’re assembling a group of enterprise IT leaders and top thinkers in cloud to deliver current, unvarnished and useful information for companies mapping their strategies for organizational transformation through agile business models empowered by cloud computing.

And speaking of maps, this year’s theme for the Organizational Readiness and Business Cases track is “Time to pull over and check the map.” On our road to the cloud, enterprises have taken wrong turns, one-way streets and paid some hefty tolls. After all this exhausting traveling, where are we? So, we’re going to safely pull off to the service plaza and check the map.

The first session (Wednesday, April 3 at 9:00 am) will feature a keynote address from the IT leadership at a Fortune 500 enterprise that has made aggressive moves to push much of its workload portfolio to cloud infrastructure. Participants will learn how this enterprise made the business case for organizational transformation to cloud; what assumptions it made in building its strategy for migration; and where the organization is seeing early successes — and warning signs.

Session two (Wednesday at 3:45 pm) is called the “Cloud Witness Protection Program.” We’ll hear entertaining but serious insights from an enterprise IT executive whose identity we’re concealing. He (or she) will share with the audience hard-learned lessons and strategies for avoiding the same mistakes. A quiz session from a panel of experts will follow, digging deeper for keys as to what to look for in a cloud vendor; tough questions to ask before the contract is signed; and what terms to insist on — or walk.

The third session (Thursday at 2:30) is titled, “Disruptive Innovation in Cloud Technology and Tools.” Experts from technology providers, open source projects and enterprises will give participants a tour of new cloud technologies and tools that are available, proven in production environments and ready to deploy. Participants will leave the session armed with an understanding of which tools are the best choices for their enterprise cloud deployments.

The final session (Friday at 10:15) looks at disruption from a business models standpoint. I’ll lead a discussion with two enterprise executives who have used cloud to fundamentally disrupt organizational business models. Participants will hear how these leaders helped their organizations first understand and then embrace the agility, flexibility and dramatic time-to-market compression that cloud enables. Building sustainable competitive advantage through a transformation in business model assumptions is the goal of cloud, and this session will give participants new insights on how to help their organizations get there.

At last year’s Cloud Connect Chicago, we unveiled the results of the inaugural Enterprise Cloud Adoption Survey. Building on the success of that effort, we have launched the 2^nd Annual Cloud Adoption Survey. The survey will help us track year-to-year adoption trends and drivers. Tell us about your journey to the cloud, and you could win a complimentary conference pass to Cloud Connect Silicon Valley. Take the survey now.

Register with priority code SMTB to take advantage of the Early Bird pricing.

Tags: adoption CIO cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect

What do names like VMware, Oracle, Cisco, and IBM all have in common? They are participating in Cloud Connect Silicon Valley 2013. The Conference and Expo program is filling up with leading industry players making Cloud Connect Silicon Valley the must attend cloud event for 2013!

Industry heavy hitters SoftLayer, Red Hat, VMware, Oracle, Rackspace and Citrix will be taking center stage at this year’s Conference and Expo. With all the news recently surrounding these key players the Expo will be nothing short of exciting. Issues including hybrid cloud management, security, and open cloud will be pushed front and center.

The Cloud Connect Conference also boasts some notable sessions including speakers from Netflix, Amazon Web Services, and Citrix to name a few. Here’s our list of the top 5 must attend sessions:

1. Netflix and Amazon Web Services Case Study: Strategy and Economics of the Cloud

• Jinesh Varia, Technology Evangelist, Amazon Web Services
• Adrian Cockcroft, Director, Architecture, Netflix

2. Delivering Enterprise Applications and User Access in the Cloud

• Lori MacVittie, Senior Technical Marketing Manager, F5 Networks

3. Managing Data in the Mobile Cloud

• Jesse Lipson, VP of Data Sharing, Citix

4. Juicing the Cloud: Getting the Most Out of Your Application

• Wayne Walls, Developer Advocate, Rackspace

5. Softening the Network: Virtualization, the Final Frontier

• Steve Riley, Technical Leader, Riverbed Technology

That is just a snapshot of the topics and speakers that will be covered. Preview the full Conference lineup here. Early Bird registration ends in two weeks, register now and save yourself $500 on Conference Passes.

We look forward to seeing you in April!

Tags: amazon web services Citrix cloud cloud computing cloud connect F5 mobile Netflix private clouds Rackspace

Cloud Connect Silicon Valley is just a few weeks away and I’m happy to write that most of our agenda now in place!  We have a lot of new programs lined up this year which I’ll highlight in the coming weeks.

In depth workshops form the backbone of any quality conference program, so here’s an update on some of the new workshops we have lined up for this year’s conference.  Our workshop programs are designed to provide practical guidance and training to prepare businesses to take full advantage of cloud computing.  Our agenda reflects the key trends, best practices and offers deep-dive instructional sessions.

In the area of Private Clouds we’ve gone deep.  Our own Enterprise Cloud Adoption Survey showed that for enterprise cloud buyers, 89% of respondents had either current or future plans for Private Cloud deployments in their business.  With this in mind we’ve introduced two new Private Cloud workshops in addition to our Private & Hybrid Clouds Track.

The Foundation for Private Cloud – Virtualization Management

Geared towards IT managers and staff who are looking to fulfill the full promise of virtualization and cloud and transform their environments into a private cloud, this workshop covers the challenges that come with the move to private cloud computing, and how to prioritize, evaluate and implement the necessary solutions for virtualization.  And building on the Foundations for Private Cloud course, advanced practitioners can continue with a course on Automation, Self Service and Management for Private Clouds.

Advanced Private Cloud – Automation, Self-Service and Cloud Management

This workshop is ideal for IT managers and staff who are looking to transform their environments into a private cloud, especially around improving operational efficiencies, optimization, automation, and IT agility – delivering IT as a service through private cloud, while reducing costs. This workshop covers the challenges that come with the move to private cloud computing, and how to prioritize, evaluate and implement the necessary solutions for virtualization and cloud management, optimization, automation and delivery as a private cloud.

Our research suggests that while Enterprises are planning for Private Clouds, Public Clouds are also being widely adopted.  This mix of new Private and Public Cloud uses, combined with existing systems and applications infrastructure creates new management challenges for IT to deal with.  We have introduced a new workshop to go deep on the challenge of managing these increasingly heterogeneous environments:

New Tools and Techniques for Managing Hybrid Cloud Environments

Attendees of this workshop will leave with a solid understanding of the new tools and techniques that are available to manage a hybrid Cloud environment, and how these technologies and ideas can be applied to enable you to gain control over your operations. The workshop will address these key topics:

•How Cloud management differs from traditional data center management
•What are the real costs of unplanned Cloud service adoption?
•Where to find new tools and techniques to address your hybrid Cloud requirements
•How to measure your success in a hybrid Cloud environment

The industry has now broadly accepted that utility-based, on demand computing makes sense. But for as far as we have come, it is not surprising that security continues to rank highest in barriers to cloud adoption.  With this in mind, we are introducing a new workshop to help cloud practitioners make informed decisions on how to move applications to the cloud without sacrificing security:

Identifying, Navigating, and Managing the Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Risks Associated with Cloud Computing

This workshop will introduce the concept of threat and vulnerability management and how it can be applied to cloud solutions.  Topics will include a discussion of threat and vulnerability analysis, applying threat and vulnerability analysis to cloud environments and solutions, vulnerability management for the cloud, and approaches to working with cloud providers to ensure risk and security requirements and expectations are properly met.

Many businesses are preparing for cloud-based development environments or Platform as a Service (PaaS).  Our own research suggests that 38% of enterprises already have PaaS plans underway while another 52% have near or long term plans.  These numbers are very strong and represent a profound shift in our thinking around how applications will be built and deployed in the future.  But as companies set their PaaS strategy, they need deep analysis and guidance to set their business on the right path for success.

Cloud Application Development Strategies

As cloud computing continues to pervade all aspects of information technology, from the data center through application offerings, the function and capabilities of various cloud offerings begin to blur. Eventually, all clouds will house applications or data, which means that IaaS is merely a stepping stone to the ultimate goal of simplifying the operations and management of the application platform or Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). Like the transition from virtualization to IaaS, the transition from IaaS to PaaS can be equally challenging. One of the more difficult aspects of choosing PaaS is the approach and architecture.

These are just a few of the new programs we have in store for Cloud Connect Silicon Valley.  Be sure to check out the full program and sign up to attend!

Cloud Connect was recently named one of the Top Cloud Computing Events of 2013 by Enterprise CIO Forum. We are proud to have topped the list and be named the Conference and Expo where IT professionals come for the latest cloud computing training and information. Here are 10 reasons why you should register and join us April 2-5 in Silicon Valley:

10) SEE NEW PRODUCTS. Find new solutions to your cloud, security, infrastructure and projects.

9) ENGAGE WITH MULTIPLE COMPANIES AT ONE TIME. Meet with 100+ industry leaders including VMware, Citrix, Cisco, Softlayer, Rackspace, IBM, Oracle and more!

8 ) SEE SPECIFIC COMPANIES OR PRODUCTS. Ready to renegotiate service agreements and/or upgrade to the next version? Make the most of your time by scheduling meetings at Cloud Connect.

7) CREATE AND STRENGTHEN PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS. Grab breakfast, lunch or a beer and make connections that will help you throughout the year.

6) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Learn from peers, analysts and other end users in the Cloud Connect Conference sessions including cloud & big data, virtualization, security, and how to build private and public clouds.

5) KEEP UP-TO-DATE ON INDUSTRY TRENDS AND ISSUES. Hear industry experts and end users discuss use cases and best practices surrounding their cloud migration. Check out the 2013 Keynote Speakers.

4) SEE EXISTING SUPPLIERS. Gain insight into competition and find what others are delivering or how they are providing service.

3) NETWORK WITH COLLEAGUES. With so many like-minded professionals under one roof, learn how others are tackling similar problems in your industry.

2) SEE PRODUCTS “IN-PERSON” FIRST REVIEWED ONLINE. Touch, test and question all the new technologies you’ve read about.

1) DEEP DIVE WORKSHOPS. Gain new skills and help advance your career by attending one of Cloud Connects Workshops including Big Data, Cloud Crash Course, Advanced Cloud Courses, and Navigating PaaS.

BONUS REASON) An incredible value! Register now and pay just $1,899 for all 4 days of actionable content, invaluable connections and essential training.

Register today and experience why Cloud Connect topped the list!
PS: Want to send the team? You can save 30% for your group, just email one of our registration experts to learn more.

Tags: amazon web services Architecture CIO Cisco cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect Performance and Availability private clouds ROI TCO

Cloud Connect teamed up with Everest Group to conduct a first of its kind research project around the enterprise adoption of cloud computing.  The survey looked at how businesses currently use cloud computing and examined their future adoption plans.  

The results suggest a changing buyer mindset that will challenge our current assumptions and serve as a reality check for cloud suppliers. The biggest disconnect in the results found that buyers and providers see cloud adoption drivers differently.  

• Business users are adopting for agility, flexibility and time-to market advantages
• Whereas service providers believe it’s due to cost. 

This suggests that providers are stuck in legacy mindset selling ‘next generation infrastructure’ instead of a new paradigm. The following Infographic highlights some of the key takeaways from the research and the top 3 adoption drivers of cloud buyers: Continue Reading »

Tags: adoption cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect Performance and Availability ROI TCO

It’s a big day for the Silicon Valley event…Cloud Connect just announced their keynote speaker lineup.  Presenting a high caliber of thought leaders in the cloud space is of the utmost priority and it’s exciting to see who will be hitting the mainstage in April.  To date, looks like the stellar lineup of speakers includes:

• Alistair Croll, Vice President, CloudOps Research
• Lew Tucker, VP & CTO Cloud Computing, Cisco
• William Ruh, VP & Global Technology Director, General Electric
• Michael Barrett, Chief Information Security Officer, PayPal, Inc.
• Joe Weinman, Author of Cloudonomics & SVP, Cloud Services & Strategy, Telx
• Duke Skarda, Chief Technology Officer, SoftLayer
• Dave McCrory, SVP of DSP Engineering, Warner Music Group

It’s fundamental that the keynote speakers be able to present Cloud Connect attendees with relevant, vendor neutral information and education that can help them shape their business strategy.  As such, it appears to be a good blend of visionaries and practitioners who can wrangle and speak to the latest insights in cloud technologies and use-cases.  Looking forward to seeing what meaningful ways Cisco, GE, PayPal, SoftLayer and more pair down and explore the wide range of innovation in the cloud.

If you’d like more insight on these folks, check out their bios on the Cloud Connect keynote page.

———————————-
Joylyn Tanner
PR Manager
UBM Tech

Tags: CIO Cisco cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect CTO General Electric PaaS Pay Pal private clouds SaaS SoftLayer Telx Warner Music Group

As Vice President of Marketing for UBM Tech Events, each day holds new and meaty challenges. Responsible for a team of seasoned event marketers, and focused on promoting more than ten global technology event brands in the networking, computing, telecom, and business services categories – we stay challenged and energized year-around.

Our cross-functional teams pride themselves on creating high-quality event experiences that offer our guests the opportunity to learn, network, collaborate and connect with the latest thinking and solutions in their fields. Our goal, and the goal for many of our event guests, is to help them (and the companies they represent) remain progressive and professionally competitive.

Cloud Connect is one of our fastest growing brands in the US and India, serving technologists responsible for implementing cloud solutions that keep their companies competitive and stay agile. The cloud computing industry has evolved quickly over the last few years, proving to be a strategically important category for companies of all sizes. Our own research in partnership with the Everest Group has shown that the value of cloud computing extends beyond simple cost-savings – allowing technologists to bridge legacy IT solutions to new more nimble ones that better meet the needs of the lines-of-business they support and enable quicker time-to-market.

A few years ago cloud computing was so new many companies and experts were only beginning to understand its potential as a category that could change the rules for businesses. And thanks to numerous mainstream applications of the Cloud, even the most business-focused and tech-limited professionals understand its value and importance in enabling the agility companies need to meet the needs of their customers. Cloud Washing? Perhaps, but all of this attention has also enabled the acceleration of this valuable category to grow into a proven value-based solution for the enterprise.

Today, mainstream cloud practitioners are moving beyond considering what’s possible and into an era where they must pioneer new solutions to real challenges in their own companies. Many of the experts in the cloud computing space understand that cloud computing, and other new technologies, don’t transform companies overnight. They must accommodate the sometimes slow evolution to new technology while continuing to support aging infrastructures that companies have previously spent millions of dollars on as capital expense.

All of the points I’ve written here explain why I enjoy working with the Cloud Connect team to build this world-class event. We focus on facilitating the latest real-world solutions and new ideas that cloud technology practitioners need to get their jobs done successfully. We do that by bringing together the best hands-on thought leaders in the cloud space with the latest technology providers, and even the industry analysts and venture capitalists to help ensure our delegates are truly getting the guidance and insights they need to be successful. I’m very proud of the unique offering we provide to our Cloud Connect guests, and at the unique differentiation we are able to provide in the market.

I hope to see you at one of our Cloud Connect events soon!

Follow Nerissa on Twitter @nsardi

Tags: Architecture cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect social media staff

Hello Cloud Connect – Let’s Talk PR

When I don’t have my head in the clouds atop mountains high with a backpack on or my skis pointed downhill, you’ll find me buckling down at my desk trying to stay abreast of the latest and greatest in news and coverage around cloud computing.  My goal is to know the happenings of the cloud computing market and work to ensure that the folks who are covering the recent trends – all those coveted press, analysts and industry bloggers – are onsite to capture the magic of networking, collaboration, knowledge-sharing and buzz around first-time announcements that unfold at a live event.

As the PR Manager for Cloud Connect, I enjoy promoting the event successes, our stellar keynote lineups, the conference program that’s ever-evolving to capture the innovations and trends of the cloud (check out some adoption trends featured in Forbes), and working closely with exhibitors and speakers to help them maximize their exposure and involvement leading up to and at an event.  I’m always interested in new insights and product or service announcements that can help build buzz with our eager media who are clamoring to cover what’s hot like Big Data (InformationWeek’sBig Data Vendors to Watch in 2013), Mobile Cloud (IDC’s12 month forecast), Private Cloud (CRN), Security (eWeek’s account of Gartner’s recent report) and more.  I’m eager to hear your story and what you’re excited about and how we can work together to promote your news at Cloud Connect.

So please, don’t hesitate to be in touch – I’d love to know what you have up your sleeves to promote your presence in Silicon Valley. I’m Joylyn Tanner (find me on Twitter @jtannerama) and as I support PR across live events at UBM Tech, I look forward to engaging with exhibitors and speakers and helping them get the most out of their participation.

Hope to see you in April and together, we can make a splash!

Joylyn

Tags: big data cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect staff