A Walk in the Clouds

The shift to delivering IT through a utility model is changing the business computing landscape as it is today. That model is known as cloud computing. Cloud computing is Internet-based ("cloud") development and use of computer technology ("computing"). “The cloud is a metaphor for the Internet (based on how it is depicted in computer network diagrams) and is an abstraction for the complex infrastructure it conceals.” In other words, Cloud Computing is a style of computing in which IT-related capabilities are provided as a service. In a time where “Everyone just wants to get the applications and data they need, when and where they need it”, Cloud Computing offers the attempt to synchronize information across operating systems.

“Although 65% of business technology professionals polled for a recent InformationWeek Analytics cloud computing report have not yet identified moving IT functions into the cloud as a priority, it is expected to change in a fairly short order.” This is because the Cloud Computing transition has been led by smaller businesses and companies, which will in-turn force larger enterprises and companies to adapt or be left behind. Even though smaller companies are leading the change, Cloud computing is currently being driven by “big-name” providers including Amazon, Google, and Yahoo!, as well as traditional vendors including Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft and SAP.

With Cloud Computing becoming more known and visual to companies, many raise questions about the security, reliability, and overall performance of the new computing model. Recent events that gave Cloud Computing a “negative” view was when Google’s Gmail and App System, as well as Amazon, went down over the past year. Although outages like these would shake the confidence of those moving towards Cloud Computing, the Historical data on cloud outages is tracked and kept on records.

In my view, when doing a little outside research, it shows that we've been providing Cloud Computing solutions for the last couple years, allowing small to mid-sized companies to outsource some or all of their IT functions. It seems to be a great success for both customers and companies with low cost of entry, predictable pricing, and access to otherwise too expensive services To me, Cloud Computing is not that new, it's just getting more visibility.

Sources: http://www.cloudcomputing.informationweek.com/, http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/04/07/15FE-cloud-computing-reality_1.html

IT in Northrop Grumman

Last Wednesday I went to Northrop Grumman's IT department to get a closer look at their company. Northrop Grumman is an international company concerned with defense technology that has 120,000 employees. With a company this large information technology is crucial. Besides meeting Loyola Alum, I got a chance to sit in on about updating their technology services. The room was full of many teams of two-- one business partner and one IT partner-- many of these teams needed updates. They used a system called SAP that had a program that allowed all the groups to bring up their requests for updates, it even allowed groups who were phoned in to be part of the meeting. The program allowed everyone at the meeting to see a quick description of the updates, how long it would take, who it would concern, and any possible risks in order to let the head of the departments vote to either pass or deny the request. With a company stretched out across the world with so many employees, IT helps Northrup Grumman stay organized and productive.

Microsofts New Approach to IT.... Windows 7

Everyone can agree that the world where PC’s were on top is now over. Mac’s have become more and more popular every year and even I am feeling the pressure to switch. My family and I have been long time PC users and I feel as if I have mastered the operating system. However, it is impossible to say that they are as efficient and hassle free as an Apple Computer. Apple has taken the technology world by storm with the most efficient, ground breaking features we have ever seen. For those people who have never experienced a Mac, there are commercials and marketing ploys out there that will capture you for sure, convincing you to switch from a PC to a Mac. I am here to talk about Microsoft’s response to the Mac’s nearly flawless operating system, and their technology strategy to steal their business right back.

Windows 7 is not set to launch until 2010, with Windows Vista still running strong and most all of the kinks worked out. Microsoft has to come up with something that Mac does not have to increase the appeal. What is so interesting about this new version of Windows is the approach that Microsoft is taking which I think is relatable to our Information Technologies class. Throughout our course we talk about the importance of information and how imperative it is for that information to be readily accessible to professionals along with average people. Microsoft is changing the way that information is passed on. It is keeping their new technology internal and not allowing it to move vertically. Usually when a new technology emerges the company gets out a press release and lets consumers and business know right away. Microsoft has decided that they are keeping the details of Windows 7 under wraps and allowing people to generate their own buzz. There have been hundreds of blogs written, you tube videos posted, and chat rooms created with people trying to anticipate what the new Windows 7 operating will entail. This is an interesting new approach and I think that this is very smart. If they had just come out and given all the details then people would find things that will be wrong with it and of course there will be skeptics. Another reason that they are not releasing much information is because they know things will change. This way people will know that when the information is released it is final and will not be changed due to errors they found with certain programs. Microsoft claimed in a press release that they are going to be very careful and only release bits and pieces “when they are ready”. We are taught that information is vital to the success of any company or product. Microsoft is very smart and they are going to take the tech world by storm. They have a very smart marketing strategy and people are buzzing already about the potential specs of it. Can’t wait to see what they come up with!