Some ideas on a '*' association for cloud computing

[Billy Cox]

(Disclaimer up front: I work for Intel. Since I'm just being a reporter in this post, it shouldn't matter, but what the heck, let's get it out up front.)   Reuven led a session this morning to discuss how to move forward on something (maybe) like an association to bring the various groups together and to build a co-operation between companies and the community. IMHO, Reuven did a good job of setting up the subject and then letting the room drive the direction and topics.   Below are the high level notes I captured in the meeting. I've tried not to filter them but I suspect some level of unintentional filtering happens whether I want it to or not. Lastly, I am the messager here, and while I'm likely to be a target no matter what, I'm hoping this will foster the discussion (rather than create a target <grin>).   My somewhat raw notes: -- A suggestion was made that the association could create reference implementations. While this might require standards, it is still a need. -- The SCO problem; There is some concern over IP polution from unexpected sources into things like Eucalyptus (only an example, no evidence offered). The open source community has been very good at dealing with the situations however. -- There is a need to see the rights of the cloud consumer more visible, clearer, and more in line with business needed. -- There is sentiment that we have entered the period of disillusionment (refering to the hype cycle). -- There was a suggestion that we let this be customer led with something like a customer council. One concern is that asking a user group to define something like an SLA is problematic: they will want everything, now, and free. Customers don't often like to speak up in a forum with competitors. And, customers don't like being in a 'fish bowl' and being the subject of sales pitches. One comment was that in times where we are operating at the leading edge, we need to ask the innovators to lead the discussion, rather than the customers.   I probably missed one or more statements from the room. So, my apologies to any in attendance whose comments I missed - please respond with your additions.   I look forward to the ideas on how to create this hybrid structure.   Billy Cox Intel