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(Still) clear skies ahead for business
April 23, 2009
On April 22, the BITKOM outsourcing workgroup met in Bad Homburg to discuss the expectations and reality of the hot topic of cloud computing and its significance for the outsourcing business. Dr. Martin Reti participated in the workgroup as an expert on cloud computing. We asked him to break it down for us.
Cloud computing is the topic right now in the IT industry – where do you think it's headed?
A lot of people are already jumping on the cloud computing bandwagon. Whether or not that wagon is actually an ICE remains to be seen. Maybe we'll realize by the end of 2010 that it's only a regional express with stops in the middle of nowhere. No one can predict these things right now, even though analysts say that cloud computing is going to radically change the world. However, if you look at large enterprises, this won't happen to the revolutionary extent many are expecting. Even Gartner has taken a step back and is now predicting that cloud computing won't be ready for the market and wide-area use until 2015.
A lot of people are already jumping on the cloud computing bandwagon. Whether or not that wagon is actually an ICE remains to be seen. Maybe we'll realize by the end of 2010 that it's only a regional express with stops in the middle of nowhere. No one can predict these things right now, even though analysts say that cloud computing is going to radically change the world. However, if you look at large enterprises, this won't happen to the revolutionary extent many are expecting. Even Gartner has taken a step back and is now predicting that cloud computing won't be ready for the market and wide-area use until 2015.
What do you consider to be the strengths and weaknesses of cloud computing?
Cloud computing is a good alternative sourcing model because companies can benefit immensely from the cost reductions and flexibility it brings. However, most cloud computing offerings can't guarantee security, quality or service level agreements. These three things are essential to the core business of any company. For example, losing an important email or an external information leak can be disastrous. Things are different in the private sphere, where cloud computing found a place some time ago.
Cloud computing is a good alternative sourcing model because companies can benefit immensely from the cost reductions and flexibility it brings. However, most cloud computing offerings can't guarantee security, quality or service level agreements. These three things are essential to the core business of any company. For example, losing an important email or an external information leak can be disastrous. Things are different in the private sphere, where cloud computing found a place some time ago.
What cloud computing solutions does T-Systems offer?
Since 2004, we have been marketing a solution that is based on cloud functionality. We operate this solution for our customers in a so-called private cloud. Nothing runs via public networks but is reliably tunneled instead.
Since 2004, we have been marketing a solution that is based on cloud functionality. We operate this solution for our customers in a so-called private cloud. Nothing runs via public networks but is reliably tunneled instead.
For which companies and applications is cloud computing particularly effective? Read the answer in the second half of the interview.
