Cloud Computing

“Cloud Computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand, like the electricity grid.” -Wikipedia

This topic should de designed for a managerial audience. These are the questions most business people want answered about cloud computing for the first part of your presentation:

What exactly is cloud computing? (Your audience will need many pictures and examples).

How big is the market today and how big is projected to be?

What would a company “do” in the cloud? (Services companies buy)

What are the differences between cloud types? (Public cloud, private cloud, community cloud, hybrid cloud).

Why would a client company consider sourcing through the cloud? What are the major benefits?

What are the real risks to a client company as opposed to perceived risks? (cloud security, client loss of control)

Who are the major service providers in this space? (Savvis, Microsoft, Salesforce, Skytap, HP, IBM, Amazon and Google).

Your presentation should proceed with two or three case studies of organizations' using cloud computing services. (Preferably original case studies but secondary case studies might be available)

Case studies should include the Company Background:

• Size of company in terms of sales and profits
• Major products the company sells
• General characteristics of their customers
• Organizational chart--who does the CIO report to?
• How many people work for the IT organization?
• What is the annual IT budget?

The cloud computing aspect of the case study should include:

• Picture and good description of the organization's cloud computing strategy
• Who is responsible for cloud computing
• Specific example of how cloud computing is used
• What are the perceived benefits and limitations of the cloud computing as described by IT managers/business managers
• What plans does the organization have for the future of the cloud computing
• Lessons learned by the company

Other potential ideas for the presentation:

• A brief overview or demonstration of cloud computing (10 minutes or less)

The group should end the presentation on best practices or maybe a cloud computing strategy. If you did multiple cases, do a cross-case comparison that integrates your primary (case studies) and secondary (journal articles & books) research.

If you have other creative ideas, please feel free to discuss them with me.

This is a GREAT article on cloud computing:

Iyer, B., and Henderson, J. (2010), “Preparing for the Future: Understanding the Seven Capabilities of Cloud Computing,” MIS Quarterly Executive, Vol. 9, 2, pp. 117-131.