1. Collaboration Wars: Collaboration is the ‘killer app’ in the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) segment of the cloud computing market. The rapid adoption of Google (GOOG) Apps has demonstrated the latent demand for these web-based solutions. Now, IBM (IBM) is promoting the enterprise-class qualities of its LotusLive offering to win a share of the market. Cisco Systems (CSCO) is also intensifying its efforts to promote its collaboration solutions built around WebEx and Telepresence. I also think Microsoft (MSFT) will accept a greater level of cannibalization of its Office products to win a bigger share of the collaboration market with OfficeLive.

2. Business-Oriented Social Networks: These are closely linked to collaboration and have gained a tremendous amount of attention because of the explosive growth of Facebook and Twitter. Although many corporate executives are still uncertain about how to harness social networks, Salesforce.com’s (CRM) introduction of Chatter at Dreamforce clearly shows that offering an enterprise-class solution can create a competitive advantage.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/180730-8-key-competitive-battlefields-in-cloud-computing-in-2010

As the new year and decade get underway, here are a few of the areas of the cloud computing market which I think will be important competitive battlefields for established and emerging players:

Cloud Computing has racked up a staggering number of column inches during 2009, yet confusion still reigns for many (even despite our efforts to demystify the technology!).

With almost every technology vendor and service provider having tossed their hat into the ring, it can be extremely difficult for decision makers to know who to opt for and whose Cloud credentials stand up to close scrutiny. But there is even confusion about some of the Cloud fundamentals.

As such, when some of the leading Cloud Computing providers joined a panel debate at the recent Business Cloud Summit, they had their opportunity to clear up the confusion – and substantiate their claims.

http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=22201

Cloud Computing has racked up a staggering number of column inches during 2009, yet confusion still reigns for many. Will 2010 clear the air?