I’m considering writing a presentation proposal for NERCOMP 2010.  What I would like to talk about are two aspects of cloud computing that aren’t regularly focused on:

1) What exactly is cloud computing
(because we should all be on the same page before talking about something)

  • defining the overall concept
  • discussing SaaS, Iaas, Paas (and providing examples)
  • public v. private cloud
  • current “trends” in cloud computing
    • the demise of the operating systems
    • creation of cloud standards

2) How can IT use it beyond outsourcing email

  • testing out new software
  • storage
  • improving upgrade processes
  • development

additionally how will this impact IT departments

  • less focus on technology
  • more focus on user experience
  • more focus on process and project management
  • increase to production timelines
  • a faster pace of “academic business”

3) What are the benefits to creating an Educational Cloud

  • lowering the cost of the cloud services that are currently offered
  • collaboration on projects
  • sharing ownership of computing resources
    • software
    • platforms
    • infrastructure

I don’t know if I can fill 50 minutes all by my lonesome.  I’d like to have a session that is more meeting and less presentation.  Maybe getting users to participate via polls.  I wonder if I could make the session a mini unconference of sorts.  Maybe start off with a definition and then ask the audience to raise their hand if they have done any of the points outlined in #2 part 1  above.  Have them come up and talk about what it is that they did and how it impacted them (using ideas in #2 part 2 as a jumping off point)  in 5 minutes or less.  I could come up with a back up plan just in case no one raises their hand.

I could then wrap things up using with a push for creating an educational cloud based on the ideas outlined in #3 above.

hmmm…thoughts…flowing…through…head…

Please provide comments or opinions on these ideas.  If you think its an AWFUL idea and that NERCOMP might explode, let me know.  Or if you think it’ll explode in a good way, let me know that too.