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.

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