Author: Joseph Eddins
Title of article: No longer pie in the sky
Publication: Airman Magazine

Abstract/Summary: The author believes that cloud computing is a modern approach for data storage but is faced with several challenges that he would like to see tackled and resolved. In the article “No longer pie in the sky” Joseph Eddins emphasizes the relevance of cloud computing to the defense infrastructure, while identifying key steps to approach cloud adoption.

• Simply get started.
• Assemble a capable team early in the process.
• Get input from all stakeholders.
• The core team must understand how cloud works and its impact.

He also identified challenges agencies face in adopting new technologies and recommended some change eements attitude towards the challenges:

Non technical Blockers

• Resistance to change.
• Stringent policies for getting access to data
• The time it takes to procure and deploy technology.

Technical Blockers

• Proliferation of legacy technology
• Security
• Legacy networking

He also identified the payoff of adopting cloud computing.

Critique

• The title of the article was proper and comprehensible.
• The statement of the problem was clear and the author added that it was the way he perceives the cloud computing impediments and payoff., The contents are an expression of his personal opinion based on his perception
• The purpose of the article was made clear from the introduction.
• There was no error of fact in the article; the writing was structured within the circle of opinion of the author.
• All the discussion are relevant, however, he was economical with his listing of the problems which are quite numerous, and did not elaborate all the many security issues associated with Cloud computing, or advise of key steps to take prior to signing up with a cloud company as a measure of safeguard as listed in Gartner’s ‘Seven cloud-computing security risks’. neither did he corroborate with any other author or opinions from other writers to strengthen the author’s idea.
• The article didn’t cite other publications and is restricted to just cloud computing in the defense infrastructure
• The research was restricted to just one agency or profession.  There is evidence of good research and understanding with his restricted scope which he was internally motivated to write
• More emphasis and recommendations are necessary to remedy the observed impediments and challenges

Conclusion

This article is significantly relevant, on time and fit for purpose given that big data, cloud computing and storage, internet of things (IoTs) are now key business drivers and value optimizers.

I completely agree with the Author’s opinions. Presently, the need to accept and migrate to cloud computing can not be over emphasized. The starting point for recognition would be, as he said, for the various companies to get started, assemble a capable team made of the right people early in the process that will understand the stakeholders and the impact of cloud computing.

Both the technical and non-technical impediments should be investigated and understood as highlighted and provided with the right solutions.

There is need for scope expansion however, to highlight and bring to the fore the several challenges with big data storage, cloud computing, data privacy and security issues whch has led to huge financial loss and integrity 

Finally, there should be increased awareness concerning cloud computing through more seminars, webinars and university courses. This will provide sound knowledge about cloud computing.

Reference

Brodkin, J., 2008. Gartner: Seven cloud-computing security risks. Infoworld, 2008, pp.1-3.