For Crying Out Cloud

Cloud computing and virtualization. If you work within the federal, state and local, and higher education IT industries, you most likely have been exposed to these terms.  However, for some, understanding the distinction between the two can be a little confusing. This year at FOSE 2011, DLT Solutions and Quest Software helped visitors cut through the fog of uncertainty surrounding this issue. During the event, DLT asked public-sector IT professionals to participate in a series of “Minute to Win It” style games to illustrate the complexities of cloud computing and virtualization. These games were designed to show participants that not everything is as simple as it looks which according to a Norwich University study*, proves that they are not alone. The study surveyed 600 private-sector professionals and revealed that over two-thirds of respondents said that they had a moderate to high level of confusion regarding cloud computing and virtualization. After playing the games, participants had an opportunity to have all of their cloud computing and virtualization questions addressed. DLT Solutions’ Chief Cloud Technologist, David Blankenhorn, was on hand to field questions.  “Everyone walked away with a little more knowledge about cloud computing, and some walked away realizing that they had hidden talents like being able to unroll a roll of toilet paper or empty a box of cotton balls strapped to their waist in less than 60 seconds” said Blankenhorn. To find out more on Quest Software’s virtualization management solutions, please click here. For more information on cloud computing, please visit our Q&A page. *Click here to download a copy of the study. Attendees play a series of challenging games to demonstrate the confusion surrounding cloud computing and virtualization at FOSE 2011: