http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=B3894FB7-1A64-6A71-CEAAA097234C65DB

There is no single model for how best to mix all the various cloud service permutations, but a few consistent models have emerged:

While those who developed the Internet had a clear vision and the power to make choices about the road it would take — factors that helped shape the Web — Georgetown University professor Mike Nelson wondered during a panel discussion whether the current group of developers possesses the foresight to continue growing the Internet.

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/200829/cloud_computing_will_surpass_the_internet_in_importance.html

“I think there is a chance that if we push hard … we can get to this universal cloud,

It is fair to say that phrase has achieved notoriety in taking the shortest time from buzzword-creation to CIO-cynicism.
There is no shortage of opportunities for IT leaders to listen to suppliers telling them why they should be going into the cloud. Cloudwash has replaced greenwash as the focus for marketing brochure hype.

http://www.computerweekly.com/blogs/editors-blog/2010/07/what-the-cloud-really-means-to.html

More than anything else, what “the cloud” really offers IT leaders is the opportunity to innovate.

Of course that still happens. Sometimes we dress it up in the guise of third-party advisors, so it’s not the client who is harassing the supplier directly, it’s the advisory firm, but things have matured. It’s clear that in most IT deals today there is more of a focus on best practice and a better appreciation of accountability.

http://www.ssonetwork.com/topic_detail.aspx?id=8392&ekfrm=6

As the British government tries to cut costs, Mark Kobayashi-Hillary warns that focusing on reducing costs rather than thinking strategically will lead to even greater problems

But this government faces two basic ICT (information and communication technologies) issues that could make or break their entire program, and both depend entirely on the Internet.
Firstly, can the government overcome its own internal ICT challenges, which are formidable, while reducing expenditure, losing headcount, migrating technologies, and reversing under-investment in infrastructure? It’s a task not unlike changing all four wheels on a car while it’s still moving.

http://www.internetevolution.com/author.asp?section_id=920&doc_id=194213&f_src=internetevolution_gnews

While there is a limited penetration of the market by cable service companies, the bulk of Internet connection in the UK is through landlines managed by the de-nationalized telco BT (previously British Telecom). The problem is that much of the existing network is good old-fashioned copper.

That was the bottom line from a report issued today by the watchdogs at the Government Accountability Office that stated until rules that specifically address information security for cloud computing are developed, federal agencies may be hesitant to implement cloud computing, and those programs that have been implemented may not have effective information security controls in place placing information at risk.

http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/63159

Worry over rules, access, hackers darkens cloud computing outlook

The savings expected from each government department has increased from 20 per cent over a four-year period under Gordon Brown’s government to 25 per cent over the same period under the coalition, according to today’s emergency Budget. More specific details on how departments will meet these savings will be released in the annual spending review on 20 October.

http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2265270/budget-likely-increase-demand

As pressure to reduce costs intensifies

The benefits of cloud computing have not escaped the current administration and Obama has been pushing for improved efficiency in IT systems. His administration has also been promoting the idea of greater transparency through the use of innovative technology.

http://www.tmcnet.com/channels/cloud-hosting/articles/89530-cloud-hosting-right-destination-the-government.htm

Even with this availability, chief information officers are still faced with the challenge of ensuring they can secure their investments in the cloud.

But at the RSA Conference earlier this year, a panel came together to talk about security and cloud computing, to examine the intersection of cloud computing, security, Internet services, and Internet-based security practices to uncover differences between perceptions and reality.

http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/70195.html?wlc=1276540188

For reasons just and unjust alike, cloud computing has developed a reputation that makes some IT pros cringe when they think about security. What’s the difference between perception and reality in this field? It comes down to determining acceptable and comfortable risk. In the cloud, you can’t hide behind the usual firewalls and encryption systems; what matters is the application itself.

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/199438/cloud_computing_has_jumped_the_shark.html

The security and capacity challenges that cloud infrastructure providers face aren’t really new either. Having dealt with many Web hosting providers