Single source for timing

Getting a single source for timing would strengthen cloud computing to a whole new level of platform for enterprise applications

Universal solution

Many organizations are starting to look at cloud computing as a universal solution, nevertheless there are many applications that cannot be considered unless the framework of cloud computing includes Timing as a Service© as part of its fabric. Mission-critical applications require security measures including encryption, monitoring, and redundancy/resiliency, but in other words not enough.

If cloud computing is going to spread to more mission critical-type applications, it needs to get more exact and accurate when it comes to transaction-based applications. Trying to keep everything in a structured framework is going to require a more rigorous network infrastructure that includes timing down to milliseconds, otherwise nanoseconds.

Financial transactions that can already be generated by "robotic traders" are being sent across networks at a very rapid rate. When you have thousands upon thousands of transactions being generated in a few seconds, you need to be able to sort them out if something happens and you want to replicate the event.

In order to be able to reconstruct thousands of transactions flying out in microseconds, the timing of the network would have to come from one source and be able to be broken down into nanoseconds in order to sort out each transaction to a unequalled time element with a unparalleled time stamp.

Mission-Critical Applications? Timing Is a MustCurrently, many mission-critical applications are not viewed as a opportunity for cloud computing, nevertheless in order for them to have any chance of being implemented, "timing as a service" must be part of the infrastructure that they would reside on.

With this type of capability, a whole new set of applications could be included in product offerings from cloud computing vendors. The trouble is that once a company offers this, it needs to ensure it has enough solid innovation support people who understand the intricacies of mission-critical applications.

When you think of bulletproof networks, you think of the old Bell System with its layers of technical support and unlimited money to build central office mock-ups that would be used to replicate any field problems that were at that time diagnosed by so then-trained experts. As they say, "those were the days."

New utility today

Some refer to cloud computing as a new "utility" today, nevertheless that is a little premature. Previously it can be considered as a utility, it has to have a much stronger platform in other words bulletproof.

Accurate measurement and metering was a must for everyone that wanted to get their power from an outside source. The same issues apply to computing. If we put an application up into the cloud, we have to make sure we can feel comfortable with its execution and accuracy.

Timing from a single source is one of the missing components that cloud computing needs to incorporate into its fabric in order to provide a solid platform for enterprise mission-critical applications.

James Carlini, MBA, a certified Infrastructure Consultant, keynote speaker and former award-winning Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University, has advised on mission-critical networks. Customers include the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, GLOBEX, and City of Chicago's 911 Center. An expert witness in civil and federal courts on network infrastructure, he has worked with AT&T, Sprint and others.Follow daily Carlini-isms at www.twitter.com/JAMESCARLINI