Cloud computing - what is it and what can it do for my business?

As ‘cloud computing’ moves from hype to reality, a range of cloud based services have developed, in theory providing solutions for every requirement and budget, offering benefits from reduced costs to much greater flexibility. But what is the reality?

Does ‘cloud’ offer real benefits for your business, and how can you harness these effectively ? What impact will cloud services have on your business, both now and in the longer term?

This forum provides business users with the opportunity to hear about Cloud Computing, its technical and commercial architectures, service offerings, current providers and likely developments. Our presenters will set out their views of Cloud technology and services; participants will then be invited to join the debate and help to formulate a view of the future landscape of services by means of panel Q&A and plenary discussion.

This is an exceptional opportunity to hear experts from the Digital Communications and Digital Systems Knowledge Transfer Networks discuss new developments in ‘Cloud Computing’, share experiences with businesses already successfully using cloud services, quiz an expert panel and workshop with other business people.

Come along and contribute, explore the advantages and drawbacks of using Cloud computing, share the do’s and don’ts and discuss how to make it really work for your business, and input to future developments.  Whether user, provider or potential user of these emerging technologies and services,.  Voice your questions and opinions, and identify developments in cloud computing to meet the needs of your business.

The event will also give delegates the opportunity to air their concerns about Cloud and to discuss with one-another and the expert panel how these matters can be mitigated as well as how business can benefit from the economies of scale and new service concepts that Cloud can provide.

There will also be a masterclass session in the early evening.  The masterclass is aimed at technical staff.

  Cloud Computing Flyer (more information) (1mb)

Agenda

12:00-12:30   Registration

12:30-13:15   Lunch and networking

13:15-13:25   Welcome - Philip Hargrave, CEO, Digital Communications Knowledge Transfer Network

13:25-14:00   Keynote Address : “Towards the Cloud!” | An overview of a Cloud – delivery and deployment, market dynamics, opportunities and challenges | Ian Osborne, Director of the Digital Systems Knowledge Transfer Network

14:00-14.30   "Whos Who in Cloud"? | A review of existing and near-future Cloud service providers and the products they offer | Simon Meacham, Chief Platform Architect, Cloud Services, BT 

14:30-14.55   "Ten Step Cloud Homework Checklist" | A quick look at the technical and non-technical stepping stones for cloud computing Mahesha Pandit, Programme Manager – Scalable Computing, Digital Systems Knowledge Transfer Network

14:55-15:15   Refreshments

15:15-16:00   What can ‘Cloud’ do for me? | Case studies in the use of ‘Cloud’ | Rob Hamilton, CEO, Dynamic Edge

16:00-17:00   Q&A panel session with the speakers |Moderator : Ian Osborne

Masterclass

(details to follow)

17:00-17:30   Masterclass Registration

17:30-20:00   Masterclass