Cloud Computing and SOA Convergence in Your Enterprise: A Step ...

224 Chapter 12 Moving Onward
The end-state architecture will be a mix of on-premise and cloud computing
platforms, and thus the architecture will span on-premise and cloud computing
systems. It is architecture, not cloud computing, that will save the day here.
This kind of stuff will continue to pop up until those in IT step back from
the hype that surrounds cloud computing. Give them a copy of this book; it is a
great place to regain perspective on the core issues. Cloud computing is a great
way to go if there is an architectural fit. However, like any technological
approach, you have to consider it as an architectural option, not the architecture.
The trouble comes when the cloud computing team lives up to its namesake
and focuses only on creating new processes and moving existing processes
to cloud computing. This solves nothing unless there is complete synergy with
the existing enterprise systems. In too many cases, synergy seems to be an
afterthought.
Q: What about interoperability between cloud computing providers
A: Extending our discussion of standards, the larger issue concerns interoperability
among cloud providers. This is the notion of (1) cloud providers offering
built-in communications as well as application and data portability
among the cloud computing providers, meaning providers can talk to one
another; and (2) cloud providers having the ability to move services, processes,
and data among themselves as needed.
Focusing on the first concept, there is another concept known as the
Intercloud. The Intercloud is the notion that allows cloud providers to exchange
information and behavior in support of those who use the cloud.
Modeling the Internet, they want to connect many different things together
and provide a standard mechanism for doing so.
This connectivity is important for a few reasons. First, it puts the responsibility
for communication among providers on the providers’ shoulders, and
not on the users’. Second, it produces a foundation for interoperability that
has been pretty ad hoc. Finally, it reduces the price point of cloud computing,
and, considering the previous two points, cost is the core selling point of the
clouds.
Cloud providers see the value of promoting interoperability. They might
find that interoperability gets many enterprises off the fence and moving toward
the clouds. However, the success of interoperability within the cloud
providers’ realm will depend on their ability to stop building features and