During my more than 30 years in the technology industry, I have been fortunate to have played an active role in shaping the innovations that have revolutionized the way technology impacts business. Cloud computing is one of those innovations. Much more than a way to save on technology costs by sharing computing resources, cloud computing has a profound impact on all types of institutions from business to education, government and health care.
What makes cloud computing so powerful is that it breaks down barriers between silo and proprietary applications, both inside and outside an organization. For the first time, the entire ecosystem can freely share information and ideas. New partnerships and ways of thinking will undoubtedly emerge as students on opposite ends of the world learn together, large and small governments work together and employees and clients create together.
Cloud computing also makes enterprises smarter by delivering analytics capabilities that they never had before. With this, businesses can turn their raw data into valuable information that provides insight and predicts outcomes. This level of reliable information enables organizations to make better, more accurate business decisions.
Built on the wisdom of services-oriented architecture, cloud computing further accelerates agility and flexibility. Since businesses can tap into resources beyond what they own, they can respond more quickly to business needs and changing conditions. IT departments can better balance their costs, risks and time-to-delivery.
Cloud computing is not a new buzzword. Its foundation has existed for years and it will continue to set the pace for how technology will be used, consumed and delivered, long into the future. As you read through this book, you will come to more fully understand the impact and implications of cloud computing for your enterprise and see it as a way to leverage technology to make your business a leader.
Steve Mills
Senior Vice President and Group Executive
IBM Software and Systems