Who Will Replace Vivek Kundra?

While Mr. Kundra’s decision to move on afterwards two years is not surprising, the impact of his decision on Federal information innovation reform is as well the subject of wide speculation. Since the force of his personality has been credited with the rapid adoption of cloud computing as a major driver of reform, one can’t help however wonder if this move will as well signal the apogee of reform activity.

Currently, I'm Director, Cloud Services for NJVC, one of the largest information research solutions providers supporting the U.S. Department of Defense. Previously this, I served in senior management positions with various companies including IBM and JP Morgan Chase. My formal education includes MSEE, MA National Security & Strategic Studies and a BS Aerospace Engineering. I as well graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1979, retiring from the US Navy in 1994, earning specialties in Space Systems Engineering, Airborne Logistics and Airborne Command and Control. I as well served with the National Reconnaissance Office, Operational Support Office, providing tactical support to Navy and Marine Corps forces worldwide.

Kevin Jackson, an acknowledged international expert in government cloud computing, and writer Don Philpott have created an easy to understand five step process that explains what cloud computing is all about and what are the best options to meet your particular needs. It discusses in full all the latest developments in this area - from administration requirements to the search for industry-wide standards.

The book describes the key characteristics of cloud computing and various deployment and delivery models. It contains case studies and best practices, how to set and meet goals, how to implement and use cloud computing and how to make sure it is working.

The book we have all been waiting for

“GovCloud is the book we have all been waiting for. We are all using the term Cloud Computing nevertheless till now we did not have a common frame of reference to help us maximize this important construct. IT professionals know you do not build anything without a plan and this book offers the blueprints and guidelines you need in order to accelerate your movement to the cloud."

- “I wrote in my book, Enterprise Cloud Computing, “In Switzerland, the famous Matterhorn casts a shadow over the town of Zermatt below. The cemetery at the foot of the mountain is a warning to those who would proceed up the steep slopes. Early pioneers who had neither maps nor guides are buried there, along with the primitive tools they thought were up to the task. Today, Swiss law prohibits the inexperienced from climbing the steep slopes without a guide. Today's business and research professionals tasked with adopting cloud computing should heed the message sent down from the Matterhorn: A guide is needed to survive the journey ahead.” Jackson and Philpott’s GovCloud is your guide to cloud computing for the business of government.” – Peter Fingar

Business Strategy Adviser

Peter Fingar is a Business Strategy Adviser and Author of Dot.Cloud: The 21st Century Business Platform, and Enterprise Cloud Computing.

“From 375 Cloud Musings since May 2008 to a 244 page book in February 2011, Kevin Jackson and his word processor must never sleep! The table of contents, which is as a matter of fact a taxonomy of Government Cloud Computing, is worth the price of the book alone. I highly recommend this excellent resource for both those new and experienced in this exciting new field. So then done, Kevin!” – Brand Nieman

The Founder

Bob Flores is the Founder, President, and CEO of Applicology Incorporated, an independent consulting firm specializing in information innovation issues. Prior to this, Bob spent 31 years at the Central Intelligence Agency. During at CIA, Bob held various positions in the Directorate of Intelligence, Directorate of Support, and the National Clandestine Service. Toward the end of his career, Bob spent three years as the CIO's Chief Innovation Officer where he was responsible for ensuring that the Agency's research investments matched the needs of its mission. While this time Bob was as well the Agency's representative on several government-wide information sharing committees and councils.

- “Every Federal agency should approach cloud computing with a focus on improving mission execution and extending the value of critical Enterprise investments. 'GovCloud' provides excellent guidance for this important transition”.