Jumping on the Cloud-Wagon? Pack your server applications for the trip.

You'll need an approach to server-side application distribution and provisioning that is architected for the cloud and designed for IT, if you're going to deliver on the business promise of virtualization. AppZero's virtual application appliance (VAA) approach fits the bill with zero operating system (OS), zero install, and zero overhead deploying server-side applications in time that approaches zero.

Last one in is a rotten egg

Right from the start cloud computing made sense in an "if-you-build-it-they-will-come" kind of way:  Scale computing capacity up and down in an orchestrated dance of IT and business.  Cost-effectiveness is an admirable goal at any time.

At this particular time of economic trauma, the Cloud's siren song is suddenly compelling to CEOS and line-of-business managers.  What they find so interesting goes beyond simple cost cutting, although that prospect is certainly a plus.  The Cloud changes the economics of IT, moving money out of capital investment into the operating budget -- paying as you go with negligible up-front costs.

Money always talks, but it positively shouts in this economy. Yet, economics is not the only driver of C-level fascination with the Cloud.  The promise of freedom rings here.

The love/hate relationship between IT and the business it lives to support tilts toward the hate side of the equation when IT is seen as an impediment to action.  Business leaders think, "Hmmmm, .... Wouldn't it be nice to actually get what we pay for from IT?  Maybe we can eliminate the middle man and run our applications as services."

When business leaders are more excited than IT about "the next big thing" in technology (and they are), you have an irresistible force.  The Cloud-wagon is rolling, and IT professionals -- with varying degrees of enthusiasm --are being forced to jump on this new business model.  Adventure is sure to follow...

To read on, click on the PDF link below.