May 3, 2011 Off

Failure Cascading Through the Cloud

By David
Grazed from MIT Technology Review.  Author: Erica Naone.

Recently two major cloud computing services, Amazon’s Elastic Compute Cloud and Sony’s PlayStation Network, have suffered extended outages. Though the circumstances of each were different, details that the companies have released about their causes show how delicate complex cloud systems can be.

May 3, 2011 Off

Xerox Intros eConcierge Cloud Solution to Help VARs Boost Revenue on Print Supplies

By David
Grazed from Channel Pro SMB.  Author: Editorial Staff.

Xerox is helping VARs capture post-sale revenue with eConcierge powered by Xerox—a new cloud-based solution that makes it easier for customers to order supplies directly from their reseller partner.

Currently more than 90 percent of desktop and multifunction printer (MFP) customers who purchase their products from a VAR buy supplies on a transactional basis, according to Xerox. eConcierge powered by Xerox gives resellers a multi-branded e-commerce platform to sell supplies without having to continually check in with the customer or keep supplies inventory on site.

May 3, 2011 Off

Private investors pile into data centres

By David
Grazed from The Register.  Author: John Oates.

Private investment firm Matterhorn Capital is spending £250m to build two new data centres in the south-east of England.

Matterhorn Capital Data Centres, part of Matterhorn Capital, is spending the money in Bury Green, Hertfordshire and Chesham, Buckinghamshire.

The Chesham site has on-site power – which Matterhorn claims makes it unique in the UK. The site at Bury Green is still negotiating with power suppliers.

Together the two data centres will offer 180,000 square feet of space.

May 3, 2011 Off

Microsoft drafts .NET chief to lead Azure cloud war

By David
Grazed from The Register.  Author: Gavin Clarke.

.NET fan favorite Scott Guthrie has been elevated in a Microsoft reorg intended to "sharpen its focus" and win greater support among developers for the company’s push into the cloud.