What does the cloud really mean for IT?

Cloud computing will change IT, but it won't look the way many expect, according to one analyst.

Speaking at the launch of VMware's vSphere a virtual data centre operating system which promises to let firms create their own internal cloud Butler Group's Roy Illsley explained that most companies will never be able to move the bulk of their data or processing off site, the way many imagine cloud computing could work.

"In our view, organisations are going to want to this interally [They're] not looking to talk those resources to an external provider," he said.

Illsley admitted that small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) might, but there are still issues with where data is held for smaller businesses and large enterprises. Indeed, many countries require firms to keep data within their borders.

But that doesn't mean the benefits of cloud computing such as lower costs, scalability and resiliency will be lost. "Cloud is not a utilitarian dream, running everything on anything," he said, explaining it's about shrinking the number of resource pools that IT departments need to manage.

Illesley explained that by using virtualisation, IT departments can tie together internal resources and link them up with external clouds creating what he called a "virtual mainframe."

Other speakers at the VMware launch dubbed the idea a "software mainframe," "private cloud," and even just a "giant computer," but the basic idea is to give companies a single view of their infrastructure, whether it be physical or virtual, in-house or in the cloud.

"The cloud concept will transform what IT departments look like," he said.