Story Ideas Wanted on Cloud Computing

We’re currently developing content for a special issue that focuses on cloud-computing. Our intent is to look at both benefits and risks, to offer informative articles, and to list the resources that will help you make an informed decision when you feel the time is right. But DE managing editor Jamie, executive editor Steve, and I feel that we should practice what we preach.

One of the popular concepts brought on by social media—a driving force in cloud comfort among the next generation—is collaborative product development. Instead of shutting ourselves behind doors to brainstorm, we’d like to invite you—our readers—to join us and help us shape the content.

At DE Exchange and on DE‘s Facebook fan page, we’ll start the discussion threads: What would you like to see covered in a special issue about cloud computing? What are the things you want to ask software developers who specialize in this field? What are your concerns? In what types of projects would you consider using cloud-hosted data storage or collaboration tools? Do you know of success stories? (Are you one?)

• Discuss story ideas for cloud-computing issue at DE Exchange:
• Discuss story ideas for cloud-computing issue at DE Facebook fan page:

We have numbers—numbers that tell about your cloud-related curiosity, acceptance, reluctance, and reservations.

The first set of numbers came from us, Desktop Engineering. Last month, when DE conducted a quick survey with a questionnaire, we found out there’s an almost even split between those of you who’re open to exploring cloud-hosted services and products and those who’re determined to shun them. 37.12% chose, “No [current cloud deployment], but we might in the future.” 35.61% chose, “No, we’re anti-cloud.”

Coincidentally, when Microsoft conducted its own survey, Cloud as an Engine of Growth, they found a near even split between IT decision makers in manufacturing who “know just a little bit about [cloud]” (31%) and those who “know a fair amount about it” (30%). Microsoft’s numbers, collected among 437 IT decision makers in manufacturing firms, also revealed that 26% of the respondents “plan to implement [cloud-hosted collaboration tools] at a future date,” 11% “will be implementing in the next year,” and 23% “have no intention of implementing this.”

DE‘s numbers show that 9.85% of you haven’t the foggiest idea what cloud computing is. Similarly, Microsoft’s statistics revealed 11% have never heard of cloud computing. Also in Microsoft’s numbers, those who have embraced the technology ranked low total cost of ownership, the need to support remote workforce, and service level/high availability/up time as compelling reasons for adopting it.

The statistics, both ours and Microsoft’s, tells us there’s just as much enthusiasm for this emerging computing model as there’s reticence. It also suggests, when the time is right, with affordable cloud-hosted services with a reliable track record, many decision makers and average CAD users would consider adopting them.

Some have argued that the rise of cloud computing means the death of IT (that is, in-house IT management). Personally, I don’t think that’ll be the case. Most likely, on-demand computing services delivered over the web will become the preferred option for small and mid-size businesses that don’t have the resources to procure, maintain, and manage supercomputing infrastructures. The pay-per-usage licensing model, a common characteristic of cloud services, lets you scale back or scale up  computing services depending on workload and peak demands.

More stats and charts below, based on Microsoft’s survey results: