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Cloud Computing and Your Enterprise Architecture and/or SOA

What cloud computing can, and can't do for your core architecture
By David Linthicum
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April 17, 2009 01:15 PM EDT
Reads:
 1,799

There are a few other issues to consider when looking to leverage cloud computing as a component of your enterprise architecture and/or SOA: 

  • First, cloud computing is not the savior of IT. It's nothing but a way to deploy your enterprise architecture in such as way that has the potential to be more productive and cost effective. In essence, it's a tool, not a way of life. It's not magic, it's not even new, but if approached correctly, could be a path toward efficiency.
  • Second, cloud computing and SOA are different concepts, but they are indeed related. SOA is a pattern of architecture, where cloud computing is an instance of architecture. They are linked, they are related, and you can't do one without the other if you're looking to solve problems at the enterprise level.
  • Finally, the concepts of cloud computing require that many enterprises perform unnatural acts, such as out-placing processes and information. There are things to consider, of course, but there should never be an approach that's completely against cloud computing, or completely for it. The answer is somewhere in the middle.

Published April 17, 2009 – Reads 1,799
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More Stories By David Linthicum

Dave is an internationally known cloud computing and SOA expert. He is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and blogger. In his career, Dave has formed or enhanced many of the ideas behind modern distributed computing including EAI, B2B Application Integration, and SOA, approaches and technologies in wide use today.In addition, Dave is the Editor-in-Chief of SYS-CON's Virtualization Journal. For the last 10 years, he has focused on the technology and strategies around cloud computing, including working with several cloud computing startups. His industry experience includes tenure as CTO and CEO of several successful software and cloud computing companies, and upper-level management positions in Fortune 500 companies. In addition, he was an associate professor of computer science for eight years, and continues to lecture at major technical colleges and universities, including University of Virginia and Arizona State University. He keynotes at many leading technology conferences, and has several well-read columns and blogs. Linthicum has authored 10 books, including the ground-breaking "Enterprise Application Integration" and "B2B Application Integration." You can reach him at david@bluemountainlabs.com. Or follow him on Twitter. Or view his profile on LinkedIn.