NASA sets the scene for open source cloud computing – exclusive update @ Canberra cloud forum

The US’s leading aerospace agency, NASA, is setting the scene for open source cloud computing – with an ambitious “Nebula” project delivering anywhere, anywhere access to cloud services in a “vendor-neutral” environment.

This open-source Nebula project comes under the spotlight @ Government Technology Review’s 2^nd Annual Cloud Computing Forum during a keynote address by NASA’s CIO, James Williams.

James Williams will chart NASA’s foray into open source cloud services, while explaining how this platform is delivering readily-scalable processing power in a “virtual” world. This project connects staff at the agency’s Pasadena-based Jet Propulsion Laboratory with headquarters in Washington DC, as well as other government and private sector organisations, and higher education institutions.

As NASA ramps up its exploration into deep space, the open-source “build-your-own” cloud project will support a dynamically-scalable computing platforms, while streamlining the processing, storage and sharing of data across the enterprise.

Other session highlights @ the Canberra cloud forum include:

• Teaming with cloud service providers (CSPs) in an open-source environment is also covered by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s Tim Whitely. Tim highlights the CBA’s involvement with the influential Enterprise Cloud Leadership Council, and why enterprise members are pushing for open standards in the cloud space.
• Banking regulation in Asia-Pacific and impact on cloud services is tracked by Singapore-based ANZ’s Bank’s Theo Nassiokas. Theo clarifies whether banking regulation is a barrier to the cloud services, and banks are tackling current obstacles.
• Creating a trusted cloud environment is covered during a hands-on masterclass led by Sydney University’s Professor Vijay Varadharajen. This class offers a step-by-step guide to managing cloud security, including infrastructure, trust and “virtual” data access concerns.

Among cloud deployment stories being featured are Australian National Maritime Museum, Australian Unity, Curtin University, Macquarie University, Altium, Victoria University, Swinburne University of Technology, Mortgage Choice, Australian Aged Care Association, Recoveries Corp, and National ICT Australia (NICTA).

Endorsing association member offer: Members of endorsing associations can attend for a special rate of $995 +GST – this offers a saving of $300 per delegate. If 3 book from same company, 4^th delegate can attend for free.

For information, call Shahida Sweeney on + 6 12 8923 8027, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it