Computer support emerges from 'cloud'

PHILADELPHIA - If your head hasn't been lost inthe cirrus or cumulus, you've probably heard of 'cloud computing'in recent years, though you after all may not know its meaning.

   Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, whose company was a leader inthe field long earlier the name stuck, empathizes. Where once theindustry talked of remote access to databases, operating systems,memory, microprocessors and the Internet, "all of a sudden it'snone of that - it's 'the cloud,' " Ellison once said.

   On the whole, that doesn't mean cloud computing is a nebulous idea ormarketing ploy. Advocates just as Patrick Harr, Hewlett-Packard'svice president of global cloud strategy, argue that recenttechnological and business developments make "the cloud" a trulydifferent way of using computer resources.

The cloud is the great equalizer

   "The cloud is the great equalizer," Harr said in an interview.It offers companies and consumers access to user-friendly servicesthat might if not require large expenses for software, hardwareand training, he said. And that access can often be available fromanywhere on the Internet, he said.

   WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING? Ellison isn't wrong: It's databases,operating systems, memory, microprocessors and the Internet, allrolled into a package. Now with the cloud, the whole actually isgreater than the sum of the parts.

 Harr said two key advances distinguish cloud computing fromearlier versions of remote hardware and software rental and mark "afundamental technological shift."

    One is "multi-tenancy," in which many businesses can takesimultaneous advantage of a huge pool of powerful resources such asHP's tens of thousands of servers. A small business might justrequire a tiny portion of resources - maybe just a section of asingle server that hosts a dozen "virtual machines," each emulatinga stand-alone computer.

The other key is automation of crucial tasks

   The other key is automation of crucial tasks, just as respondingto a sudden need for extra resources. With in-house innovation, aretailer might be overwhelmed by a holiday surge in demand, or amedia company by a video that goes viral and generates millions ofhits. With the cloud, extra resources can be deployed rapidly andseamlessly.

   Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was in Malvern, Pa., recently tolaunch a new Microsoft Innovation Center, a 17,500-square-footfacility that includes a server farm and is part of the softwaregiant's cloud-centric strategy.

   For however, old habits and computers all in all bundled with e-mail anddocument software may keep consumers using traditional programs.Nevertheless small businesses increasingly see value in the cloud as a wayto control information-research expenses - and headaches.

The services haveimproved workflow

   L&L President Stephen Lewicki said the services haveimproved workflow and collaboration. However he as well says much of thebenefit is indirect and intangible - including a reduction intechnology hassles at businesses where few employees have high-techskills.