Cloud Computing

June 13, 2011

Cloud computing is a complex, rapidly evolving phenomenon with long-term implications for IT infrastructure and the delivery of many campus services. The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) with assistance from EDUCAUSE and some leading business partners is currently undertaking an educational initiative to prepare business officers for these upcoming changes. The initiative includes member research regarding current practices and a series of white papers, webcasts and live programs.

The first white paper, Capturing the Cloud, Defining the Business Case, was authored by SunGard Higher Education and reviews the business case for cloud computing. The second paper, Managing the Risks of Operating in the Cloud, was written by Michael E. Larner and Philip D. Porter, partners at Hogan Lovells law firm and examines contract management and security alerts to look out for. Register for corresponding webcasts on each paper, listed below (under Events).

Future papers will address some of the issues involved in an audit of a cloud provider (by Grant Thornton) and other top-of-mind issues. The combination of initiatives will provide business officers with a solid foundation in cloud computing and prepare them for more productive conversations with chief information officers and cloud providers.

For more information regarding the cloud computing efforts contact: Bill Dillon, executive vice president, NACUBO.

These efforts are supported by a grant from:

Events

Tune in to the recorded webcast, "Examining the Risks of Operating in the Cloud." White paper author Philip D. Porter of Hogan Lovells and Tammy L. Clark, chief information security officer, Georgia State University offered institutions a better understanding of how to navigate state and federal regulations and discuss common pitfalls and strategies to other campuses have used to protect themselves. Register today for the On-Demand webcast.

Listen to a recorded webcast that aired on May 20, 2011. "The Business Case for the Cloud," featured expert practitioners as they examined integration needs and how finance officers and technology chiefs might work together to make the best decisions for their institutions. The On-Demand webcast is now available.

Resources

Key Findings of EDUCAUSE/NACUBO Cloud Computing Workshop:
In February 2010, chief information officers, chief business officers, and industry leaders gathered in Tempe, Arizona, for a two-day EDUCAUSE/NACUBO Cloud Computing Workshop to explore what shape a higher education cloud might take and to identify opportunities and models for partnerships. A white paper entitled Shaping the Higher Education Cloud captures key findings from the workshop, including recommendations for cloud action.