Cloud computing, virtualization go hand in hand, expert says

Cloud computing is looking to have a big year in 2011. However, some companies are hesitant to embrace the technology, preferring to use virtualization. According to John Bates, chief technology officer of Progress Software, companies should not have to compare the two.

According to Bates, companies that are used to virtualization should have no problem switching to cloud computing. "Cloud computing is simply a natural evolution of virtualization, service-oriented architecture and utility computing," he said. "Only when cloud technology is fully deployed in the enterprise space in 2011 will organizations start to witness the cost-saving benefits."

Bates’ comments coincide with a recent study by CRN that found cloud computing and virtualization are both expected to diversify this year. "2011 will be a year marked by an increasing number and diversity of clouds,” said Lew Tucker, chief technical officer for Cisco.

Other issues facing the industry include scalability, efficiency and adaptability, the survey concluded.

According to the CIO network’s recent Cloud Computing Predictions for CIOs and Business Technology Leaders report, cloud security will be the top concern for the IT industry in 2011.