The Evolution of Cloud Computing
How to plan for change
By (author) Clive Longbottom
Publication date: 19 Dec 2017
With the ability to upload files securely and access them from anywhere, cloud computing has been positioned as today's ideal IT platform. However this has been claimed before for many different IT architectural approaches, how is cloud different? Is what is being offered now an end point, or just the beginning of an evolution of how cloud is instantiated and used? This book looks at how we have got where we are, what cloud is promising now, and how cloud is likely to evolve and change as the future unfolds. Readers will be better able to ensure that decisions made now will hold them in good stead for the future, and they will have a better understanding of how to use cloud to deliver the best outcome for their organisations.
Clive Longbottom is founder and research director of industry analyst company, Quocirca. Clive began his analyst career with META Group before founding Quocirca to offer a new kind of industry analysis. He has seen the 'sharp end' of IT, and understands that technology has to be used to support an organisation's aim, not as an end into itself.
Dimensions: 244x170mm
Print ISBN-13: 9781780173580
Ebook ISBN-13: 9781780173603
206 pages
Imprint: BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
Part 1: Looking Back
1: Background
Part 2: The Cloud Now
2: The cloud
3: Why cloud?
4: Basic cloud platforms
5: Alternative cloud platforms
6: Alternative cloud models
7: Main types of SaaS cloud services
8: Where should a cloud platform reside?
9: Paying for cloud services
Part 3: The Very Near Future
10: Building the right cloud
11: Issues with cloud computing
12: Cloud and the 'CDs'
13: Creating the business case for the cloud
14: Scale out, scale up, scale through
15: Cloud and data
16: Cloud security
17: Virtualisation, shareable resources and elasticity
18: The change in applications
19: Applications, virtual machines and containers
20: Full audit is required
21: Monitoring, measuring and managing the cloud
Part 4: The Future of Cloud
22: The ultimate future
23: In conclusion
‘If you are seeking a readable quick-start guide to the state of the marketplace in cloud providers and software tools to help you migrate and manage your applications then this book is useful.'
Andy Wilton
Chief Information Officer
'This book clearly and succinctly covers all the key areas of Cloud that both technical and IT leaders need to know. It takes the reader through a logical and engaging journey of how Cloud services have developed over time and how these services can be exploited for best value and business advantage. Whether you're just beginning your journey to the Cloud or are looking for guidance on the next steps of your Cloud journey, this book will help you to determine the best approach and understand the implications of your decisions whether that's security, RoI, or simply how to get your data and services into the Cloud.'
Gareth Baxendale FBCS CITP
Head of Technology
'A recommended read for all and anyone involved in the cloud sector. From beginner to expert, there is much to gain from Clive’s contribution.'
Ian Moyse
Industry Cloud Influencer, Board Member Cloud Industry Forum & Eurocloud and recognised as #1 Global Cloud Social Influencer 2015-2017 (Onalytica)