Educating you on the benefits and "how to" of integrating cloud computing with your business network.

Unless you’ve recently crawled out from under a rock or awaken from a Rumpelstiltskin-like sleep, the term “cloud computing” is not new to you.  “It’s become the phrase du jour,” says senior analyst Ben Pring of technology researcher Gartner Group.

The problem is: everyone seems to have their own definition of the Cloud and cloud computing.  These definitions range from narrow (virtual servers available over the Net) to very broad (any computing resource you consume outside your firewall).  And cloud computing is still in its early stages – perhaps beyond infancy and (gasp!) approaching the “terrible 2’s” – with a diverse group of providers (diverse both in size and in quality of services and reliability) for the unsuspecting cloud services consumer to navigate.

In a recent InfoWorld article, we read: “Cloud computing comes into focus only when you think about  what IT always needs: a way to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. Cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that, in real time over the Internet, extends IT’s existing capabilities.”  The InfoWorld article goes on to provide a rough breakdown of the forms and functions of cloud computing.  Read more.

Hmmm…  Services are confusing and diverse.  Service providers are a mixed bag of reliability and not.  Even definitions are still – sorry, here it comes – cloudy.  What’s the SMB business owner – or even IT professional – to do?

A few basic guidelines will perhaps serve you well.

1. The Cloud and cloud computing are here to stay.  This is The Next Trend in business (and, for that matter, personal) computing.   Get with it or get left behind.

2. The Cloud and cloud computing are more than just a fad or marketing mistake – this isn’t Vista or the Pet Rock.  There’s plenty more than sizzle to this steak: at its best and brightest, cloud computing offers cost-savings, streamlined operations, power/capacity (what Mazda calls “zoom-zoom”)  previously beyond affordability for most SMBs, plus flexibility and scalability.

3. Take your time – just not too much!  Cloud computing is still shaking out and defining itself – and there’s still occasional “snake charmers” out there – so prudence and due diligence are the order of the day.  But there’s a lot right about cloud computing that you can use.  And keep in mind many competitors are moving in that direction and may soon gain a competitive edge on you if you wait too long.

4. As part of your cloud due diligence, look for service providers who are knowledgeable and practical in their approach, have a proven technology record with their clients, and offer a breadth of cloud services so you have fewer providers (the dewer the better!) to rely on and to hold accountable.  “Too many cooks spoil the broth” applies to technology as well as cooking.

Happy hunting!