Cloud computing mini-guide

Is this the dawning of the age of hosted providers?
Recently we spoke with John Rymer, analyst with Forrester. The topic was going to be cloud computing, but Rymer advised that this term, for now at least, has hardly any meaning. That is because anything that is remotely new is being called a 'cloud solution.'

Is Microsoft dissing SOA just to push Azure Cloud computing?
At PDC, Microsoft's Bob Muglia positioned 'the Cloud' as the next big thing after SOA. The Cloud is better because it scales better, in Muglia's view. Analysts say the comparisons are poor and the criticisms are faulty.

Software start-up credits Amazon Cloud computing for cost savings
Can't come up with the $100,000 for new hardware servers in this credit crunched economy? Put your software on the Cloud for $2,000 per month, says Billy Marshall, chief strategy officer for rPath. He's speaking from experience because that is what he's done at rPath, a Raleigh NC-based 40+ employee startup offering products for the creation, distribution, and maintenance of applications as virtual appliances. Marshall feels the pressure to conserve cash and says the Cloud is helping rPath reduce hardware expenses. He argues that the Cloud could help other companies, small and large, get through this recession. Marshall shared some of his experiences in this interview with SearchSOA.com.

Cloud computing as cure for over-used software services
Are you ready for re-use? Enterprise architects know there is a dual-edged sword to servi...