"Cloud computing has evolved from a point product solution that addressed a particular pain point (for example, high performance computing grids designed to analyze massive data sets) to an integrated and key component of a whole product solution designed to address a broad array of computing challenges for the enterprise," noted Thomas Bryant, Director of Advanced Technology & Products for Quest Software, in this exclusive Q&A with Cloud Expo Conference Chair Jeremy Geelan.

Bryant concluded that "The best of today's cloud computing environments enable enterprises to leverage their existing infrastructure investments more efficiently, and easily integrate with existing processes and management solutions."

Cloud Computing Journal: A very general question first, about Cloud Computing itself: Surely we've heard all of this before in various forms and guises - grid computing / utility computing, etc.? What is different this time - why is everyone so convinced it will now work?

Thomas Bryant: There are two drivers behind this perception. The first has to do with the maturity of the technology. Cloud computing has evolved from a point product solution that addressed a particular pain point (for example high performance computing grids designed to analyze massive data sets) to an integrated and key component of a whole product solution designed to address a broad array of computing challenges for the enterprise.

The best of today's cloud computing environments enable enterprises to leverage their existing infrastructure investments more efficiently, and easily integrate with existing processes and management solutions. The second driver is the effect that the consumerization of IT has had on end user expectations. I am old enough to remember when the coolest geeks with the best "toys" worked for large companies and were equipped with the latest laptops, cell phones and pager technology. Fast forward to today, where the coolest, most cutting-edge technologies are lavished on the consumer. Everything from smartphones to tablets to Internet-ready television sets. And these devices are all wonderful windows to a vast and rapidly growing array of online services that are affordable, easy-to-use and easy to access through self-service mechanisms. These same consumers expect no less from their corporate IT infrastructure. They want it and they want it now. This has raised the bar for IT and opened their eyes to the necessity of embracing a comprehensive cloud computing strategy to satisfy their users.

Cloud Computing Journal: What are the three main factors driving companies toward the Cloud?

Bryant: The economy, the economy and the economy. The Great Recession has had an enormous impact on a number of dynamics that are driving the rush toward cloud computing. IT organizations, for example, are under more pressure than ever to accomplish more with less. This has been the case now for many years, but the macro-economic environment has increased this pressure to an alarming degree. But at least in one instance the prolonged economic downturn has actually been a blessing. It has forced many in IT to the realization that one cannot simply automate one's way out of this predicament.

What's required is a thoughtful reformulation of IT delivery methods, and the assemblage of technologies specifically designed to support these new methods. The rapid evolution and adoption of cloud computing is the expression of this critical and ongoing exercise, which will continue for many years to come.

Cloud Computing Journal: And what are the three main barriers preventing some companies from moving some of the on-premise computing to the Cloud?

Bryant: Fear of failure, data security, and integration challenges are the top three barriers to cloud adoption today. Let's address each of these in turn. The transition to a cloud-based self-service IT delivery model represents a dramatic shift for most IT organizations. It forces IT to shift away from its familiar reactive, linear IT service delivery model to a proactive, highly automated self-service model. Let's face it, this transition is fraught with a number of risks. Chief among these is that it forces IT professionals to change from a predominantly tactical mind-set and skill set to a more strategic mind-set and skill set. Almost as daunting is that this process represents a fundamental shift in IT decision-making power from IT to end users. Many IT organizations are just not ready for this transition. But the ones that are ready, are reaping the benefits of agility, responsiveness and increased competitive effectiveness, and the immense satisfaction that comes with their new roles as strategic role-players for the business.

Data security is another inhibitor of cloud adoption. Data is a strategic asset, for some companies more valuable than capital. Consequently, the idea of handing this strategic asset over to a third party is a daunting decision and in many cases just unthinkable. This explains the enormous interest that enterprises are exhibiting in on-premise private clouds. On-premise private clouds represent a viable and effective on-ramp to a more general cloud adoption strategy. They not only deliver on the value of cloud computing, but they also provide IT organizations with a richer understanding of the challenges of effectively and securely managing cloud infrastructure, an understanding that seeds their success in the adoption of public cloud environments further down the road.

Finally, the integration of various cloud-based solutions into a comprehensive IT solution-set represents another significant barrier to adoption for most enterprises. It requires a higher degree of collaboration, planning and vendor management capabilities. And the staggering rate with which these technologies are being adopted by end users puts a significant strain on IT resources.

Cloud Computing Journal: How does your own company's offering/s assist CIOs and organizations/companies?

Bryant: Quest recognizes the challenges inherent for enterprises in adopting cloud computing, which is why we've made significant investments in technologies to support the deployment and management of on-premise private clouds.

We feel that on-premise private clouds serve as an effective on-ramp to widespread enterprise cloud adoption, especially when coupled with a customized implementation strategy that minimizes risk and maximizes ROI for your organization. Our Cloud Automation Platform solution was designed to do just that. With Quest's Cloud Automation Platform, IT organizations can comfortably and confidently deploy on-premise private clouds utilizing their existing heterogeneous infrastructure. Coupled with an easy-to-use, end-user, self-service portal and integration to a number of existing infrastructure management toolsets, Quest's Cloud Automation Platform enables IT organizations to leverage the many benefits of cloud computing architectures today while building a solid foundation for wider cloud adoption tomorrow.

Cloud Computing Journal: Are there other players in the Cloud ecosystem offering the same - or is your company unique? Why?

Bryant: There are a number of system management vendors in the market today offering solutions for on-premise private clouds. Their solutions, however, rely on automating existing reactive, linear IT delivery models, and consequently don't deliver the full advantage of cloud computing.

Quest's strategy was to tackle this challenge for enterprise IT head-on by developing a solution built from the ground-up to help IT organization successfully navigate the transition to a proactive, self-service IT delivery model. And best of all, the solution is designed to enable IT organizations to make this transition at their own pace, leveraging existing infrastructure and management tool investments. The result for many of our customer has been dramatically reduced risk, significant ROI and lower overall TCO.

Cloud Computing Journal: We hear talk of a Cloud Revolution and also of a Cloud "evolution" - either way, what kind of time span are we talking about, do you think. In other words, for how long is Cloud Computing going to exert its pull on the minds, hearts, and budgets of all involved in modern-day Enterprise IT?

Bryant: This interview provides compelling evidence that cloud computing is already exerting its influence on modern-day Enterprise IT, and the commitments and investments made by large enterprise IT vendors like Quest is further evidence of this. So the question today is no longer if, but when, where and how? And perhaps most important of all, will IT lead the charge or be dragged kicking and screaming by its users? We at Quest believe it is our primary mission to position IT for success during this transition to the cloud. To enable IT to meaningfully contribute to the enterprise as strategic partners that help propel their businesses to greater and greater success. This commitment is reflected in our strategy and will shape our investments in the months and years to come.