Customer Reviews

Cloud Computing, A Practical Approach

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I've reviewed over a dozen books on cloud computing. This book is better than average but misses its objective of being a practical introduction. It has lots of interesting information and is indeed a useful companion for anyone seriously involved in cloud computing but there are other overviews which are more comprehensive and easier to digest.

Velte, Velte and Elsenpeter touch on many of the main topics, such as security, networking, storage. They mention a number of cloud service providers. The problem is that they do not tie these together in a logical and methodical way. Some of the other recent books do this better. I also ask myself the specific relevance of eclectic topics such as AJAX XHTML and AIR to cloud computing.

In spite of the minor deficiencies which I mention above this is a useful text that will help many readers who need to broaden their understanding of cloud computing and related technologies.

Is your company considering migrating to the Cloud? What Cloud strategy is best for your organization? Are you having troubles identifying the major Cloud Vendors or even how to begin using their technology? Are you interested in knowing what the big deal is about the buzz surrounding Cloud? Are you trying to separate fact from fiction about the Cloud? Look no further than Cloud Computing: A Practical Approach, an good introduction to Cloud Computing. The authors of this book have provided a well-structured apologetic and business case for using Cloud Computing Technology; this book has a little bit for everyone: IT Administrators, Architects, Developers, Managers, Executives, etc. Even someone, with general knowledge of IT, such as mobile users, can benefit from this book. In fact, the authors state in the preface that the book is for "anyone who wants to learn about cloud computing" (xiv).

The books is organized in three sections: Getting Started, Cloud Computing Technology, and Cloud Computing at Work, the heart of the book .

The First Section, Getting Started, comprising 88 pages, introduces and explains various Cloud `basics', including the clearing up the confusion over the meaning of "Cloud". According to the authors,
"In essence, cloud is a construct that allows you to access applications that actually reside at a location other than your computer or other Internet-connected device; most often, this will be a distant datacenter...The beauty of cloud computing...is that another company hosts your application (or suite of applications, for that matter). This means that they handle the costs of servers, they manage the software updates, and--depending on how you craft your contract--you pay less for the service" (p. 4).
After providing a brief overview, topics as cloud components, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS),Software as a Service (SaaS), and Storage are all explained. The pros and cons of using Cloud Computing are stated in a fair manner, although the benefits of the Cloud are given edge. Nonetheless, the authors present a comprehensive list of concerns and issues, such as security and privacy, that all should be know before transitioning to the cloud. The authors warn that in some cases it is best not to use Cloud Computing. The major Cloud `Titans', such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, SalesForce, etc, are also highlighted along with some of their offerings. The `Business Case for the cloud' (p. 69-87) is presented in a very adequate manner.

Cloud Computing Technology (76 pages) highlights the Infrastructures of the cloud, such as the Hardware, the networking protocol, and the way Customers and Developers can access the Cloud.

Lastly, the main section, Cloud Computing At Work, almost twice as longer than any of previous sections(154 pages), expands upon topics introduced in Getting Started (and briefly mentioned in Cloud Computing Technology) such, SaaS, Software + Services, and the trade-offs between a `public'(external) Cloud and a Local (internal) Cloud, and a mixed solution of both . In addition, some of the common services that are used by the general population, such a Google mail, Google Docs, or MSN Hotmail are also explained. Some of the discussion on "Virtualization" seems misplaced and should have been included in section II, Cloud Computing Technology.

The book includes three appendices which are probably worth the price of the book by itself. It includes a short, but useful Glossary, and a most beneficial list of who's who of Cloud vendors (over 60), with their sites and brief descriptions of the offerings (p. 319-22). Furthermore, a table of World Wide Web resources on Cloud Computing is provided for further research (p. 324-25).

One of highlights of the book is that it contains many helpful diagrams, and various website snapshots of various Cloud Vendors and their offerings. The listing of vendors' price offerings, key features, services, and URLs are some of the strongest points of the book. It also presents lesser known, but intriguing and innovative companies, Cloud based applications and tools, such "Skytap Virtualization Lab" (p 281-84). Also, there are brief sections on how to start development on the Cloud (Google, SalesForce, and Azure); However as developer I was craving for more.

The Best practices for Migrating and Utilizing the Cloud (p. 297-309) are very thoughtful and sensible in my estimation, although by no means exhaustive. The authors note, "When you plan to move to a cloud solution, there ways to go bout making the change to ensure an optimal experience while paying less than a colossal price. It stars with your analysis and selection of a vendor, and continues with your day-to-day usage of that service" (p. 306). These three factors are in explored in some detail in the chapter. It seems like all the Cloud Computing topics are covered, even if briefly.

Some of the strengths of the book are also its weaknesses. By its very nature of trying to reach a wide audience, some parts will be appealing to some, while others will seem uninteresting. The authors typically introduce topics in an outline form and then discuss them in an orderly fashion. Initially, this allows the readers to get acquainted with terminology, technology, offerings, and benefits of Cloud Computing. However, after a while, some of information becomes repetitive. For example, I suppose for a newbie to this will be very a helpful pedagogue to constantly hammer-in the concepts repeatedly.

At times the book feels like a marketing ploy for the Cloud. Some may find the comments, embedded throughout the book, by Cloud Vendor to be illuminating, but I wanted to see less of it. However, this may say more about me, as a developer. Furthermore, the Authors intend the book to include a wider audience, such as Executives. In this, the authors succeed for the most part. Lastly, sometimes, it is not always clear how all some sections and/or technologies integrate with one another. Even though the book does succeed in including information for a very broad audience, some newbies may have trouble to understanding certain concepts or terminology, since the authors don't go in-depth in various instances.

Despite these minor quibbles, I find the book enlightening on the various vendors and their offerings. If you are new to the cloud or a looking reasons to move to the cloud, either in part or completely, this books makes many compelling reasons for it. At the same time, the book provides a fair assessment of the current problems of Cloud.

I highly recommend this book as a good introduction to Cloud Computing. However, if you don't' have $39.99 to dish out for the book (Amazon is currently selling at $26.39), check the free podcasts from PluralSight and you get essentially an abbreviated discussion on many of topics covered in the book.

>>>..."Cloud Computing : A Practical Approach" provides Insights & Overviews for Serious Cloud Builders & Users to look within this emerging paradigm and have an introduction into Internet-based enterprise applications & services known as Cloud Computing!!!..."Cloud Computing : A Practical Approach" reviews a wide variety of currently available solutions, and discusses the cost savings, organizational and operational benefits, etc.!!!...Cloud Computing, A Practical ApproachYou will find details on essential topics, such as hardware, platforms, standards, migration, security, storage, etc!!!...>>> Also, You will find what other organizations are doing and where they and Cloud Computing is headed!!!...For those who are considering the move from a traditional IT network infrastructure to cutting-edge Cloud Solutions, Your Journey starts now!!!...>>> Ready, Let's Roll!!!...
>>>..."Cloud Computing : A Practical Approach" for Anthony Velte, Authority, Author, Team & Thought Leader, has put together 3 Parts, 14 Chapters, and 334+ pages of Knowledge, Context & Content!!!...
>>>..."Cloud Computing : A Practical Approach" starts with Dedication, About the Authors ( Anthony Velte, Toby Velte & Robert Elsenpeter ), About the Technical Editor - Charles Babcock, Contents, Acknowledgments & Introduction ( Who Should Read This Book, What This Book Covers. ) Sections as a Preview of what is to come!!!...>>> Now, Part 1.
>>>...Part 1 - Getting Started - 4 Chapters.
>>>...Chapter 01 - Cloud Computing Basics.
>>>...Chapter 02 - Your Organization and Cloud Computing.
>>>...Chapter 03 - Cloud Computing with the Titans.
>>>...Chapter 04 - The Business Case for Going to the Cloud.
>>>...Part 2 - Cloud Computing Technology.
>>>...Chapter 05 - Hardware and Infrastructure.
>>>...Chapter 06 - Accessing the Cloud.
>>>...Chapter 07 - Cloud Storage.
>>>...Chapter 08 - Standards.
>>>...Part 3 - Cloud Computing at Work.
>>>...Chapter 09 - Software as a Service.
>>>...Chapter 10 - Software plus Services
>>>...Chapter 11 - Developing Applications.
>>>...Chapter 12 - Local Clouds and Thin Clients.
>>>...Chapter 13 - Migrating to the Cloud.
>>>...Chapter 14 - Best Practices and the Future of Cloud Computing!!!...Author Anthony Velte closes Chapter 14 with a Directional Summary / "Get Ready"!!!...>>> "Cloud Computing is in its Infancy. Think of it like the Internet back in 1995!!!...Look for more evolution of Cloud Computing and look for more ways that it can benefit!!!..."
>>>..."Cloud Computing : A Practical Approach" closes with an Appendix A (Glossary, Vendors, and Resources) and the ever helpful Index!!!...>>> Cloud Computing IS / Take Advantage Now / Today!!!...>>> Time is of the Essence / Time is our only Non-Recoverable Resource!!!...Carpe Diem / Seize The Day!!!...Michael!!!...

Product was everything it was said to be. Would have liked it to be shipped faster.