The Week in Review

Here's a list of the week's most interesting news stories and blogs related to cloud computing:

» Amazon vs. Rackspace vs. Flexiscale

Blogger Jeff Darcy compares the three vendors (plus GoGrid in his follow-up) across areas like the user control panel, I/O performance and cost. It's worthwhile to read his impressions of these services, as he notes, "Most of the differences had to do with the administration interfaces." Check it out and see who comes out on top.

» NetSuite Quantifies Green Benefits of SaaS Model

Here's another attempt to put statistical evidence around the benefit of cloud computing. In this case, NetSuite, a provider of on-demand business applications, quantifies the energy savings each of its customer's gain by using their services.

» More Ways to Solve Cloud Governance Emerge

Dana Garder looks at the issues of governance and compliance, two issues right up there with security when it comes to cloud viability. He introduces WebLayer's new automate governance software as a solution to consider.

» The Intercloud: Coming to a Desktop or Mobile Device Near You

I blogged about cloud interoperability yesterday. Here's a summary of Cloudscale's approach for "the first Intercloud service, a platform for the world's realtime apps."

» Cloud Computing & SOA: Getting the Links Straight Between Them

Ever the cool hand at the top of the class, David Linthicum continues to educate and explore the connection between SOA and the cloud. And we're all the better for it. Don't forget: it's about the architecture too, people! Well worth a few minutes of your time.

» When it Comes to Data and Cloud Computing, Think Proactively

Another worthwhile read, penned by David Linthicum, that discusses the "architectural trade-offs" of moving data around the cloud and the resultant latency issues that result when the data request and results reside in different places. He suggest some guidelines for assessing the trade-offs.

» Cloud Computing Makes Servers Obsolete

A great article by Lori MacVittie that urges us to "think resources, not servers" as it explores the reality of what it means to create a world where, we are in effect, "removing the emphasis off the physical – or even virtual – server and onto the application or service being delivered." The article ties in discussion over architecture (ie SOA), cloud interoperability and dynamic, real-time provisioning.

» 5 Lessons from the Dark Side of Cloud Computing

Robert Lemos gives a reality check to both providers and users of cloud computing by raising the issue of security. There are preventive measures users need to take in order to ensure they don't fall into these common security traps. Providers can learn too since these issues need answered one way or another.

» US Federal Cloud Computing Initiative RFQ (GSA)

The US government is serious about more efficient and effective IT for all federal agencies. The RFQ seeks a contractor "conduct all necessary work to prepare and provide Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offerings" and includes details on the GSA Cloud Computing Storefront. You may also want to check out the Federal Cloud Computing Initiative Overview, which includes a roadmap through 2010.