A blog post by Infrastructure Track Chair, Bernard Golden, Vice President, Enterprise Solutions, enStratus Networks.

The concept of cloud computing is simple: computing resources offered across the network via self-service, providing elastic capacity from a resource pool carrying no long-term commitment and paid for on a per-use basis.

As the old saying goes: simple, but not easy. Providing cloud computing services requires a transformation in both infrastructure and operations processes, and this transformation is affecting all parts of the traditional computing infrastructure. Continue Reading »

Tags: Architecture cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect infrastructure networking Performance and Availability private clouds

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

Most failed cloud computing projects can be traced back to bad or missing architecture and design practices.  This was the trend in 2012, and it is continuing into 2013.  The reason: Lack of architecture and design methods and approaches, as well as the lack of a general understanding of the processes required to deploy solid cloud computing technology and solutions.

The complexities around multitenancy, resource sharing and management, security, and even version control lead cloud computing startups — and enterprises that build private and public clouds — down some rough roads before they start to learn from their mistakes. Or, perhaps they just have to kill the project altogether as they discover all that investment is unsalvageable. Continue Reading »

Tags: cloud cloud computing cloud connect infrastructure networking Performance and Availability

Here are five ways that you can accelerate your cloud computing strategy at Cloud Connect Chicago:

1. Attend 30+ sessions across 8 conference tracks including big data, cloud infrastructure, application design and architecture.
2. Hear from keynotes and top industry leaders as they discuss hot topics including private and hybrid clouds, mobile clouds, and cloud performance.
3. See all the latest cloud solutions from 50+leading companies.
4. Enjoy vendor-hosted beverages while you check out the latest products and network during the Cocktail Reception on the Expo floor.
5. Hear about new cloud solutions hosted in the new Cloud Solutions Theater.

Cloud Connect Chicago will provide four days of inspiring cloud dialogue and get you up to speed on how to leverage new cloud technology solutions to increase efficiency and improve your business agility. Register by August 10 with priority code RFPQCH04 to save $400 on Platinum or Conference passes. Don’t forget to tell your friends as well!

Feel free to follow me on Twitter for inside Cloud Connect updates.

Cheers,

Jason

Tags: adoption applications Architecture Chicago CIO cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect Cloud Connect 2012 infrastructure networking PaaS Performance and Availability private clouds ROI SaaS WAN

We’ve organized Cloud Connect’s social media efforts around weekly technology themes. During each theme week, posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the Cloud Connect Blog will highlight relevant sessions and exhibitors, along with any other timely announcements or news regardless of theme. Below is the calendar:

• 6/25 Application Architecture & Design
• 7/2 Cloud Security & Risk
• 7/9 Cloud Infrastructure
• 7/16 ROI, TCO, and Cloud Economics
• 7/23 WAN & Cloud Networking
• 7/30 Organizational Readiness
• 8/6 Big Data
• 8/13 Mobile Cloud
• 8/20 Private & Hybrid Clouds
• 8/27 Expo Highlights

Here is how you can help:

• Like Cloud Connect’s Facebook account. Feel free to contribute key facts, case studies or start discussions that pertain to cloud computing.
• Provide updates about your activities,  ”must see” at Cloud Connect  and other news through twitter and we will re-tweet it on Cloud Connect’s Twitter account if applicable to the event. Include #ccevent in your tweets for tracking purposes.
• Tell people you are attending Cloud Connect Chicago. Go to the Cloud Connect group page, and start a relevant discussion on topics covered at the event.
• Create videos about what you are looking forward to see and do at Cloud Connect and post it on YouTube. Send us the URL and we’ll add it to our favorites and promote it via our social media channels.
• Foursquare is coming back to Cloud Connect. You will be able to check-in locations all over the place! We’ll create booth venues where you can check in and share info with others. Please be sure to add Cloud Connect as a friend to your Foursquare account

There you have it! Pretty simple. I’ll get the sharing started by offering anyone who reads this blog a 25% Discount on Cloud Connect Conference passes or a free expo pass by using the following Priority code: RFPQCH04

Feel free to follow me on Twitter for inside Cloud Connect updates.

Let’s do this!

Jason

Tags: Architecture Chicago CIO cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect Cloud Connect 2012 PaaS Performance and Availability SaaS social media

A post from Performance and Ability Track Chair, Wendy White.

Natural disasters, race cars and high-stakes trading come together under the umbrella of the Cloud Connect Cloud Performance and Availability Track, Three C-level execs, three real-world cloud performance and availability success stories.

Whether you sit in the camp that believes high availability belongs in the application and not the infrastructure — or vice versa — or the one that believes that performance and availability come at the cost of scale, this track covering public, private and virtual private clouds may provide some fresh insight to shape your thinking and some actionable next steps to jump start your 2012 cloud plans.

Continue Reading »

Tags: Performance and Availability