Virtualization and Cloud Advisor Blog

Cloud computing is too often reductively branded as an economic calculus that would trade a CapEx model for an OpEx model. But it's a little more complicated than that. Bernard Golden explains what we talk about when we talk about cloud computing.

The cloud is everywhere, of course, and business is booming. The market's set to hit $143 billion in 2013, according to H-P. This means huge amount of work is taking place to create new and integrated solutions for enterprise users: Unified Communications, for example, or transformations in accounting practices.

What's your stance on SaaS? Is your perimeter as secure as you think? How can the insurance calculus on asymmetric risk illuminate your company's security exposure? CIO.com's Bernard Golden recaps the provocative discussions entertained at the Security Threat 2012 conference.

RIM has been having issues getting back on track, but BlackBerry Cloud Service and Office 365 for BlackBerry might help put it back on top.

When you start out with a fresh new hard drive, it may seem like it has virtually unlimited capacity. The reality, though, is that it won't take nearly as long to max out that drive as you might think, and you will need to find some way to expand your storage.

Are cloud services attractive because they are less expensive than traditional offerings or are IT professionals drawn by greater agility? Bernard Golden writes that it's not an either-or debate. Much like those famous 'tastes great ... less filling" beer commercials, the beauty of cloud computing lies in the beholder.

In dispelling the cloud's myths, don't forget about the employees it affects.

The pace of cloud computing will only accelerate in 2012. The increasing development of information technology, and the intense focus on cost reduction, are highlighting the benefits of moving IT administration off-site. And one cloud computing expert wants CFOs to be aware of the short-term challenges and long-term benefits to organizations.

Worldwide revenue from cloud services is expected to reach $55.5 billion in 2014, according to IDC. With a compound annual growth rate of 27.4%, the cloud is set for quite a trajectory.

In the spirit of openness and with a willingness to have his cloud prognostication grades displayed in public, CIO.com's Bernard Golden scores--and comments on--his predictions for 2011.