Cloud Computing 101

Cloud computing is here to stay. If you're a Project Manager, you're increasingly likely to encounter situations in which cloud computing will have an impact on your project - whether you want it to or not! Often, you may have no choice - especially if a boss, customer or sponsor states, "You will use cloud computing in this project!" If you ask why, chances are the answer will be, "Because everyone else is using them!" As a PM, you need to be able to make sure that everyone involved with your project understands which of the three basic types of clouds are appropriate for that project. Each type of cloud has specific capabilities and limitations. Some come with different service models, as well as different "deployment models," each with its own advantages and disadvantages. This book helps you cut through the jargon and hype surrounding clouds and cloud-based services. It will enable you to distinguish between the different types of clouds, service models, deployment models, and their relative strengths and limitations. It will help you: -Effectively manage project team and stakeholder expectations -Effectively plan, execute and monitor projects that involve clouds -Help your organization and customers avoid costly mistakes -Guide your organization to effectively leverage new cloud-based capabilities -Make clouds work for you and your project -Avoid common pitfalls (including security issues) when using clouds This book also maps the contents of key chapters to the process groups and knowledge areas in the PMBOK(R) Guide, allowing you to easily apply the accepted standards of project management to cloud computing. You don't need to be a "techie" to benefit from this book. Hopefully, this book will help dispel some of the mystery and hype associated with cloud computing, and bring about that vital "Aha!" moment as you discover how to make the cloud work for your project.
About the Author: Dr. Patrick D. Allen, PMP, is a senior researcher and practitioner at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. During his 30 years of project management experience, he has assisted a wide range of clients understand and employ new technologies to accomplish their goals. By translating new technologies into more comprehensible mental models, Allen guides newcomers to a new field using simple and familiar concepts. Dr. Allen has been a certified Project Management Professional for 10 years, during which time he has presented a successful seminar series on cloud computing and project management. He is a retired Colonel in the US Army Reserves, a former Director of the Military Operations Research Society, and a former Adjunct Professor for Old Dominion University teaching software project management, systems analysis and systems engineering. Dr. Allen has a B.S. in Physics, an M.S. and PhD in Operations Research, and a second masters in Strategic Studies. An international consultant for the United Kingdom, Canada and Sweden, he is the author of Information Operations Planning (Artech House), as well as three book chapters, and numerous papers and articles.