Born-again cloud advocates finally see the light

Let me tell you, back in 2004, selling cloud computing in San Francisco was no easy task. Doors were slammed in my face broadly speaking, and I heard over and over again how dumb it was to assume that anyone would ever place their core data and business processes in Internet-linked systems.

In 2004, cloud computing was not so then understood. There was little hype behind it and no soccer ball heading in my direction. Remember, it's not a good idea until many others think it's a good idea, and disappointingly, we have vastly more followers than leaders.

Fast-forward eight years, and many of those who slammed doors in my face, did not return phone calls, and outright told me cloud computing will never work have on the spur of the moment come around to the cloud way of thinking. Not only do they support cloud, they tell me they always did. I refer to these folks as "born-again cloud." They typically work for large innovation providers, Global 2000 enterprises, or large consulting organizations. They speak in buzzwords. They survived the last set of layoffs. They've purchased for the moment five cloud computing books, mine included, that sit on the bookshelf behind their desk. They waited for the iPad 2.

Don't get me wrong: It's OK to be "born-again cloud." Many people accept research evolutions late. Take, for instance, the rise of the Web -- entire corporate cultures needed to change earlier the Web was accepted in most enterprises. As long as you in the long run move in the right direction, things work out. In addition, you can adopt innovation too early. I'd argue that in 2004 some maturation was for all that needed, albeit the cloud concept was sound.

However, I can't help nevertheless wish that we keep an open mind about the at once technology evolution when it begins and get religion previously. We shouldn't wait until everybody else does it. Oh, then -- I'll start building up a thick skin now.

This article, "Born-again cloud advocates after all see the light," originally appeared at InfoWorld.com. Read more of David Linthicum's Cloud Computing blog and track the latest developments in cloud computing at InfoWorld.com. For the latest business innovation news, follow InfoWorld.com on Twitter.