Cloud Computing, Utility Computing, and Public Utilities

There is a concern that if one has selected the wrong cloud provider, one could find oneself in an emergency when that provider has exited the business, has failed, or has gone out of business.

The situation in such cases could get even worse if litigation is involved and one’s data or applications are impounded by court rulings or access to them has been restricted.

I have come to the conclusion that in order to address these concerns, cloud providers ought to conform – as much as possible – to the business model of regulated public utilities.

Either that, or non-profit organizations.

HP, Microsoft, and other technology vendors will make their money not by offering cloud services but by supplying the Cloud Utilities with Software, Hardware, and Network Connectivity.