Cloud computing, probably one of the most hyped-up technologies for 2010, is going to emerge as a hybrid technology, with users utilizing various flavors of the implementation to suit their unique business needs.

The inevitable need to investigate the real benefits of jumping into the cloud calls for a need to investigate the requirements of data in one’s own backyard, as this will determine if the cloud is the more cost-effective route to take for any company.

Conflicting definitions aside, debates are still raging over the cost and performance of cloud-based services.

The U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing, manager of the launch operations for the Department of Defense space programs, has recently virtualized its IT infrastructure using CA ARCserve Backup to protect data across physical and virtual servers, and CA XOsoft Replication for IP cloud-based replication.

The National University of Singapore has recently decided to consolidate its existing network and reduce its server footprint through a virtualization technology provided by IT infrastructure provider Datacraft.

The National University of Singapore's Institute of Systems Science (ISS) has recently decided to consolidate its existing network and reduce its server footprint through a virtualization technology provided by IT infrastructure provider Datacraft.

The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) has deployed the NetApp FAS3140 storage solution to support the rollout of its Centre for Innovation (CFI) initiative. The advanced unified storage system, combined with management software tools, provides a best-of-breed storage and virtualization platform that allows OUHK to implement new intelligent learning programs.