Gartner's latest hype cycle diagram shows cloud at a peak of hype. Is there any substance to the technology or is it just smoke and mirrors?
Cloud Computing is definitely not just all hype. Are there unreal expectations related to the "cloud"? Sure, there are, which is not unlike with any other "star" technology such as SOA. The "tending to infinity" number of definitions of a cloud is not helping; nor are all the vendors scrambling to reposition their products and services as being what "cloud" is all about. But, when you cut through whatever hype there is and dispel the myths you end up with a business and technology model that is rooted in best practices and a solid track record. The underpinnings of cloud are not new. Virtualization, SOA, Utility and Grid Computing, and the various "-as-a-platforms" have been around in one form or another for a while; each with success stories of its own. Keeping that in mind, "cloud" is simply the next stage in the continuing maturity evolution of our use of technology to achieve business goals in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Cloud Computing is definitely real and is here to stay for the long haul.
* Originally posted in the ebizQ Cloud Computing Forum on August 19, 2009.
