Cloud computing is set to take center stage at a leading IT conference

According to Network World, the Interop conference this year will likely shift away from its old focuses of network solidarity. Instead, it is predicted that the cloud and virtualization will be the main topics of discussion for chief information officers who attend the annual event.

Cloud computing is not set to completely replace seminars on network maintenance. The news source reports that because most networks are solidly backed by technology and resources, it does not require as much attention as the relatively new technology of Software-as-a-Service.

Furthermore, new virtualization techniques may be discussed in conjunction with existing technologies.

"There were changes in the data center around cloud computing and virtualization that have put pressure on networks and there are some changes that need to be made" Lenny Heymann, general manager of the Interop conference, told the media outlet.

The conference scene in 2011 may become dominated by discussions and seminars relating to cloud computing. According to PR Newswire, a major virtualized software conference, which was called Cloud Slam '11, was headlined by industry leaders who discussed the direction of the cloud's evolution with fellow CIOs.