Delphi or NGT for Researching the "Cloud"

The "Cloud" is a term all to regularly used today. In all since and purposes, the term "Cloud" has become a house hold name. This poses a single complication with researching cloud computing, what in the world is it?

Some would say that the Cloud is something that Microsoft, Amazon, and Google do. Others would say it is the strategic use of virtualization technologies. And to add to the confusion, others would say that the Cloud is no more than grid computing, re-branded.

With what has been discussed so far, it is clear that using the Delphi model would demonstrate a greater consensus as to what Cloud Computing is, and how it should be researched.

The reason the Delphi model would prove to be a better choice, at the moment that is, is because of the anonymity associated with Delphi. With the "Cloud" still being defined, anonymity is greatly needed so that respondents are answering without influence.

CampusTechnology.com presents to its users and clients a clear definition as what the cloud is, they define the cloud as a utility, much like that of electricity (Ramaswami, Schaffhauser, 2011). I personally agree with them on the standpoint of consumption, but it also highlights the big question, as to what is it really.

Tim

References

Ramaswami, R. Schaffhauser D. (October 10, 2011). What is the Cloud?. Retrieved from http://campustechnology.com/articles/2011/10/31/what-is-the-cloud.aspx