Microsoft + Cloud Computing = Opportunities + Innovation
When it comes to “Big Time” implementation of cloud computing, it doesn’t get any bigger than Microsoft. Likewise, Microsoft the megalith is expanding its influence over (and research into) cloud computing all the time. We’re not just talking about a simple multi-tier approach either; Microsoft is expanding the use of cloud computing in multiple directions across numerous areas of interest. What’s this all leading up to, you ask? Well, to say that MS is one of the world’s foremost trendsetters is a massive understatement, right? Through the cloud implementations which Microsoft is fostering, we’re going to see both an increase in terms of technological innovation as well as opportunities in cloud computing across the board. Many of MS’s ongoing cloud-related projects, concepts and products are poised to change and / or further establish cloud-based technologies throughout the world in the very near future.
The private cloud venture
People are calling the latest private cloud solution offered by MS, “a game changer”. While that might seem like the standard kind of hype that you hear from most large corporations concerning their upcoming projects, it actually rings true in this instance. Basically, many of Microsoft’s system center 2012 customers are using this platform to create or establish their own private cloud computing infrastructures. While this is great news in and of itself, it has become a very strong point of interest for MS. This is clearly evidenced with the upcoming release of Windows Server 2012.
What makes this new OS so special, you ask? The excitement surrounding Windows Server 2012 has to do with the fact that it is one of the first truly cloud-optimized OS’s out there (for use in running a private system). One of the main concepts behind this new product is providing a platform for businesses to both incorporate emerging cloud technologies while at the same time, providing them with a means to upgrade and of course, compete in the marketplace.
Additionally, while it is (apparently) Microsoft’s desire to help make the private clouds more common, they are heavily promoting the concept of IT – cloud integration. So, instead of simply pushing the idea of establishing providers or brokers which would service hundreds of businesses, Microsoft has opted to encourage the notion of increasing training for IT professionals in cloud computing. In other words, Microsoft may have just initiated a trend with this latest endeavor which might create and save IT-related jobs over the next couple of decades.
This latest move to bring private cloud computing to more and more businesses is actually very altruistic. It would have been much easier and perhaps more profitable for a company like Microsoft to keep cloud computing (in all its power and glory) out of the hands of smaller businesses. For example, if the technology to drive private cloud computing was suppressed, businesses would be forced to seek out their cloud services through providers (which in turn could charge customers whatever they want for cloud service). Given that many large corporations like Microsoft are among some of the only institutions capable of acting as cloud computing providers, it would have been easy for them to capture market. But such a more to create a monopoly would have also stifled growth and innovation in cloud computing; so it’s to Microsoft’s credit that they have decided to create a simpler and more affordable method for establishing a private cloud.
However, any shift toward cloud computing by businesses or private industries is going to require qualified and certified IT personnel to manage and maintain it. This is of course why cloud computing certification and foundation training are so important. Today’s IT professionals need to become more familiar with and well-versed in servicing and utilizing cloud computing infrastructure(s) and technologies.
Future employment might be in the Clouds
Along with this push to create infrastructure-related software and operating systems for private clouds, Microsoft is also seeing extreme value in cloud computing (from an economic standpoint). According to a recently released statement, “A New IDC study shows IT innovation produced by the cloud could create US$1.1 trillion a year in new business revenues” *
Considering the fact that unemployment problems are becoming a major concern for most countries, this news is most welcome. Furthermore, if cloud computing is able to bring or add any additional value to IT, that should definitely be viewed as a good thing. Similarly, if cloud computing creates more jobs and opportunities in the IT sector, job security and long-term career viability are also likely to increase as well.
With every step that Microsoft takes toward further disseminating cloud computing, the more innovation we’ll see; and with each advancement comes a slew of opportunities and prospects. The bottom line is, whether you’re a business owner, IT manager, IT professional, Investor, or just an average person with an interest in technology, keeping an eye on what Microsoft is doing in relation to cloud computing is a very good idea. Chances are very good that Microsoft will be right at the center of any future shift(s) toward more widespread implementation of cloud computing.
*original statement can be found here: www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/2012/mar12/03-05CloudComputingJobs.aspx