Cloud is here and ready to be used. It is now one of the many concepts available to organize IT, and it is here to stay. The conversation about cloud computing has turned away from pure technology, and now it focuses on the business side, the economics and the governance aspects. There are still some challenging questions around cloud, but nothing that dismisses the concept as a whole. For example, the question is no longer “is cloud secure,” but more “can I use this specific cloud solution for my specific situation.” And as soon as we become specific, the mist of the cloud evaporates: it becomes very clear that good concepts, services and solutions are within arms’ reach for everyone.

Seize the Cloud will serve as your guide through the business and enterprise architecture aspects of cloud computing. In nine chapters, and in a down-to-earth way, cloud is woven into the reality of running an organization, managing IT and creating value with technology. Along the way, the concept of business technology is introduced as a new kind of interaction between business and IT. Also, a new look at the economics of IT is described. The book strikes a positive note without turning evangelical or overly optimistic: it does not shy away from the barriers that could stand in the way of adoption. To provide a firm dose of reality, the book explores eleven cases in which leading organizations share insights gained from their experiences with cloud.

The authors and contributors of this book have a proven track record on the topic and several have written prior books on cloud computing, enterprise architecture, SOA, infrastructure architecture, quality assurance or business process analysis and design. The sponsoring organizations, IBM and Sogeti, have a strong business partnership and work together in serving clients using many innovative technologies, among which cloud computing plays an important role.

"Yankee Group's research points to the maturation of our global network into the pervasive, intelligent fabric that businesses need to support cloud-based computing, allowing them to evolve to Anywhere Enterprises. This book, rich with all the ambition associated with this exciting new model, but threaded with real-world stories, tough questions, and pragmatic advice, is an essential guide for business leaders tackling the next great computing revolution. Don't leave home without it."
Emily Nagle Green
Chairman, Yankee Group Research, and author, Anywhere

Developing an emerging-technology strategy requires coordination across IT; like any strategic IT activity, it has an impact on relationship management, architecture, delivery, operations, and support. It’s not just about technology selection but also about IT’s ability to operate IT as a collection of business services—sourced from internal and external clouds. This book speaks to this concept.
Bobby Cameron
Vice President, Principal Analyst, Forrester Research Inc.