Cloud computing is dramatically changing the way applications will be developed, delivered and deployed by everyone from Fortune 500 enterprises to small businesses and start-ups. Cloud computing benefits the enterprise IT departments and is an absolute boon for small and midsize companies. Smaller companies now have access to enterprise-class technology with minimal up-front costs and simple scalability. This opens up a competitive landscape that was earlier enjoyed only by larger IT outfits with multimillion dollar budgets.
Important as those things may be, they’re only the preface to a larger shift. Cloud computing doesn’t just level the playing field—it promises to tilt it in the other direction. Industry analyst Gartner Inc. predicts that Cloud computing — the latest and most viable spin on the utility computing vision — could prove to be as disruptive a technology as e-business.
Simply put, today’s most powerful and innovative technology is no longer in the enterprise. The Cloud makes leading-edge technology available to both businesses and consumers, often at a much lower cost than they would pay for similar or inferior services. This stems from the commoditization and standardization of technologies; from the virtualization and rise of service-oriented software architectures; and, most importantly, from the dramatic growth in popularity of the Internet.
Cloud computing is emerging as the convergence of three major trends: Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service and Software-as-a-Service. Users will need to understand the various Cloud options and providers available to them. Vendors will need to evolve their offerings to be Cloud capable and adapt their business models to maintain a competitive advantage.
GlobalLogic, IBM and Rally Software invite you to attend an informative, case study-based webcast on Wednesday April 15, 2009, during which speakers will discuss trends and options related to Cloud computing.
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