Author: David

Grazed from V3.co.uk.  Author: Daniel Robinson.

Ubuntu developer Canonical has officially released Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, the latest version of its enterprise-focused Linux distribution, which now includes provisioning and cloud computing features in its server build, and support for common desktop virtualisation platforms in its desktop build.

Available to download now, Ubuntu 12.04 is the fourth Long Term Support (LTS) release of the Linux platform, for which Canonical guarantees maintenance and security updates for five years.

Although aimed at enterprise users, Ubuntu 12.04 LTS is free for anyone to download, with Canonical earning its revenue through technical support and services to corporate customers…

Grazed from CRN.  Author: George Watt.

For many companies planning to adopt or expand cloud services, deriving value and cost savings from their investment is the bottom line, and the decision is understandably challenging. Not only can there be uncertainty in relinquishing control of critical business services, but placing all of a firm’s loyalty in one service provider can introduce new risk – which can potentially bring big losses if things go awry.

A hybrid cloud approach allows your customer to hedge its bets, and brings opportunities for resellers to gain new clients. It allows simultaneous but discrete adoption of both public and private cloud systems and reduces the customer’s risk of adoption. Resellers can propose a hybrid cloud system as a proving ground for new customers, demonstrating the strength of their offering through low-risk services and applications on their way to evolving towards offering more business-critical services…

Grazed from PRWeb.  Author: PR Announcement.

Real Cloud Solutions LLC, a leading supplier of cloud-computing enablement for independent software venders (ISVs), today announced Dolphin Enterprises Ltd., a financial software solution provider to Private Mortgage Lenders, an agreement for Cloud deployment of their Mortgage Investment Management software utilizing Real Cloud Solutions™ technology and platform.

“Dolphin develops and implements software solutions for private lenders, trust companies, MICs or Mortgage Investment Corporations and Syndicated Lenders for the past decade. Now with the recent launch of the Share Registry system, implementing a cloud solution will increase market share for clients in the exempt market Industry in Canada as well as for all private share and bond issuers,” stated Shannon Dolphin, CEO of Dolphin Enterprises…

Grazed from Forbes.  Author: Larry Magid.

After writing a quick hands-on look at Google Drive hours after it was released, I’ve had a chance to put the new service through more of its paces.

What strikes me about Google Drive is that it’s a hybrid between cloud storage and cloud computing. Like Dropbox, SugarSync and other cloud storage services, it allows you to store files created on a PC, Mac or mobile device. But like what used to be called Google Docs, it also allows you to create and edit documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

That model makes sense, especially for Google. If the search giant had its way, there would be no Macs and PCs –just Android tablets and Chrome laptops that run software and store data on Google servers. That’s a bit of an exaggeration (actually most Google employees I know still use Macs or Windows machines) but it’s clearly the long-term direction the company is moving in. It’s not going to be reality for a long time given the fact that high-speed Internet access is not yet available everywhere on and above the planet.  And it’s not clear how cloud computing will emerge on mobile devices, given the current fascination with apps which, are basically the mobile equivalent of PC software…

Grazed from InfoWorld.  Author: David Linthicum.

The world of cloud computing grows like a weed in summer, and many assumptions are being made that just aren’t correct. I’ve previously exposed four cloud myths you shouldn’t believe. Now it’s time for me to climb up on my soapbox and correct a few more.

Myth 1: Cloud computing is bringing back vendor lock-in. The notion that using cloud computing features (such as APIs) created by one provider or another causes dreaded lock-in seems to be a common mantra. The reality is that using any technology, except the most primitive, causes some degree of dependency on that technology or its service provider. Cloud providers are no exception…

Grazed from The Var Guy.  Author: Editorial Staff.

In the cloud computing market, channel partners most frequently embrace Citrix Systems (NASDAQ: CTXS), Google Apps (NASDAQ: GOOG), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) Office 365 and VMware (NYSE: VMW), according to the second-annual Talkin’ Cloud 50 survey, which ends April 27. The survey, which identifies the world’s leading channel partners focused on cloud computing, contains several other surprises.

Among the highlights so far…

Grazed from ITWeb Security.  Author: Louise Taute.

Cloud computing is here, of that there is no doubt, and while concerns still exist around the security of transacting in the cloud, Westcon Security is now helping customers securely map their path to conducting business in a virtual world.

According to the company, cloud computing doesn’t just require internal security, but also security on the edge and security throughout the cloud. It is with this that Westcon Security has partnered with global vendors to ensure it is able to provide solutions that assist with encryption, authentication, endpoint and mobile security, as well as testing and auditing within the context of your private or public cloud…

Contributed Article.  Author: Michael Tweddle, Director of Product Management at Quest Software and Author of Office 365 Migration for Dummies

 

If you are seriously considering migrating to Office 365, it is important to weigh all of the pros and cons and understand exactly what you are getting into. One key thing to remember is that the cloud isn’t a product, it’s a service. This means there should be a shift in the way you look at your email and collaborations solutions. Not only will moving to a cloud-based solution such as Office 365 change how your users will use the service, but it will also have a big effect on what you need to do to prepare for your migration and how you manage the new environment after your migration project is over.

 

In the recently released Office 365 Migration for Dummies book, I state “Regardless of the deployment model, migrating to Office 365 is a multi-faceted decision making process requiring careful planning and preparation.” I can’t stress that enough – the  key to a successful migration is preparation and using the right tool to migrate your users and data to the new platform. So, if you are serious about making the move to Office 365, please consider learning as much as possible about the new platform through analysis and reporting to create a pre-migration plan to ensure its success. In order to prepare properly I have a few tips that should help get you on your way.

 

Grazed from Midsize Insider.  Author: Rick Robinson.

One major issue that raises midsize firms’ worries about cloud computing is how to secure and verify identities and access in a cloud environment. Okta, founded by former executives from Salesforce.com, is one of the firms stepping in to offer assistance in cloud identity management.

The real challenge in managing and securing identities in the cloud is that there isn’t just one cloud. What is emerging is a complex pattern of public, private, and hybrid clouds. And user access must be coordinated among them. Before IT departments at midsize firms can confidently launch into the cloud(s), managers will need a comfort level that they can provide secure and controlled access to cloud-based data…

Grazed from Network World.  Author: Sophie Curtis.

Amazon Web Services is attempting coax businesses into the cloud by touting the security credentials of its Virtual Private Cloud (VPC).

Despite the potential cost savings associated with cloud computing, many organisations are still put off by security concerns. In a survey of 300 end user organisations by the Cloud Industry Forum in 2011, 62 percent cited data security as one of their most significant concerns about cloud adoption.

While the public cloud is widely considered to be unsuitable for business-critical applications, some organisations are starting to make greater use of private clouds, which are often on-premise data centres that use cloud-style technology…