Digital Discourse / Software / Cloud Computing

Interview with new SIIA member Socialize

February 2, 2012 By Rhianna Collier Leave a Comment

I was delighted to recently welcome Socialize to the SIIA membership. I had a chance to catch up with Daniel Odio the CEO and Co-founder to learn more about the drop-in social platform. Read my interview with Daniel below.

Rhianna: Welcome to SIIA! Tell me a little about Socialize and the benefits for making apps social.

Daniel: Making apps social boosts app discovery (downloads) and user engagement (impressions). It creates a viral loop where users share content with each other and their social networks, which leads to more downloads, which leads to more users, which leads to more social actions all over again.

Rhianna: This week you made an announcement about notifications. Why is this feature significant?

Daniel: SmartAlert notifications “Bring users back” to the app. For example, when a user makes a comment on a piece of content in an app, and subscribes to that thread, and then another user comments on the first user’s comment, the first user gets a SmartAlert notification inviting them back into the app to see what the second user wrote.

Rhianna: You recently moved your company to San Francisco. Obviously, the Bay Area is the home of many great technology companies. How important is it for technology start-ups to be local to the Bay Area? Or does it matter?

Daniel: It’s critical. There’s a great article on my move west at http://go.DanielOdio.com/west. The environment in the San Francisco bay area is world class and results in the ability to make connections, make key hires, and iterate on the business at a speed that is unmatched anywhere else in the world. As I like to say, San Francisco is “Mecca for Geeks.”

Rhianna: You recently participated in a panel led by the Department of Homeland Security at CES. What are some of the privacy and security issues you face versus the traditional software/hardware vendors? How do you address and ease these fears?

Daniel: Often times the least secure part of a device is the human using it. And that’s where we focus – in this realm security concerns are mixed with privacy concerns. Oftentimes, users don’t know the implications of their actions by design – we work hard to abstract a level of complexity into an easy-to-use service. This means we bear a responsibility to ensure the user doesn’t compromise themselves in ways they don’t even realize. A big chunk of the value we add with our social infrastructure offering is to give the user ways to navigate privacy issues in easy to understand and friendly ways.

Rhianna: Finally, look ahead for me 18 months, what will be the biggest trends in social?

Daniel: Two big trends are converging and we’ll see them in full force in the next 18 months: The explosion of interest-based social, and the power of the Open Graph. Interest-based social isn’t the same thing as the social graph we all know from Facebook. It’s way bigger and more powerful. It’s the connections we all share based on interests, regardless of ‘friend’ status. For example, interest-based groups include people of the same ethnicity, people who love zinfandel wine, co-workers, people who love to sail, and the list goes on. We are all comprised of a series of interests, and for the first time, technology (and mobile in particular) is enabling us to map all those interests and connections, and begin to monetize them.

The Open Graph is an initiative by Facebook to get everyone to share all of their actions – what songs they are listening to, what they are reading, etc. This confluence of mapping interests to people and sharing of all actions will mean the power and reach of social will be exploding in the next 18 months. More about this topic at http://go.danielodio.com/interestgraph and a screencast on why mobile is way bigger than most people realize is at http://go.DanielOdio.com/waybigger

Rhianna Collier is VP for the Software Division at SIIA.

 

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Filed Under: Cloud Computing, Mobility, Social Media, Software, Software Events, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Judiciary Presses Forward with SOPA; White House Unveils IT Reforms

December 13, 2011 By David LeDuc Leave a Comment

December continues to be anything but a slow month in Washington. Yesterday, House Judiciary Cmte. Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) confirmed his plans to markup the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA, H.R. 3261). In addition to scheduling the markup, Smith released a revised version of the bill that reflects weeks of working closely with stakeholders and other members “to strengthen the bill and address legitimate concerns from groups who are interested in working with Congress to combat foreign rogue websites.” Changes to the revised bill as highlighted by Committee staff include: elimination of the redirection clause for infringing websites, orders for an interagency report on the domain name system, addition of a new clause to relieve Web firms of monitoring sites, and clarification of the definitions re: which sites and companies are covered.

Last week, Federal CIO Steve VanRoekel made several important announcements regarding ongoing efforts to reform federal IT and embrace cloud computing. In what he characterized as a “year of change in Federal IT,” VanRoekel declared that “cloud computing has become an integral part of the government’s IT DNA,” and made the following announcements:

1. Released a memo to formally establish FedRAMP (the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program), a long-anticipated program intended to reduce the duplicative efforts, inconsistencies and cost inefficiencies when assessing and authorizing cloud systems.
2. Released the Shared Strategy Memo to provide the roadmap for agencies to increase use of shared solutions through leveraging tools to do more with less, in accordance with the cloud-first policy and cloud migrations under the IT Reform plan.
3. Released the TechStat Report highlighting tools and practices for agencies to turn around or terminate failing projects at the agency-level.

And tomorrow, the House Energy and Commerce Sbcmte. on Communications and Technology has scheduled a hearing to air concerns by the growing list of U.S. lawmakers regarding the pending roll-out of ICANN’s Top-Level Domain Name Program. This hearing follows a similar one by the Senate Commerce Committee last week where Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and other Cmte. members warned ICANN officials to proceed with caution and head their voices of concern.

David LeDuc is Senior Director, Public Policy at SIIA. He focuses on e-commerce, privacy, cyber security, cloud computing, open standards, e-government and information policy.

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Filed Under: Anti-Piracy, Cloud Computing, Digital Policy Roundup, Policy Tagged With: , ,

While Europe Presents Roadblock for Cloud, NIST Presents Roadmap

November 9, 2011 By David LeDuc Leave a Comment

Yesterday, EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission, and the German Federal Minister for Consumer Protection, Ilse Aigner, released a statement calling for a robust data protection framework. In the statement, the Commissioners stated explicitly that “companies who direct their services to European consumers should be subject to EU data protection laws. Otherwise, they should not be able to do business on our internal market. This also applies to social networks with users in the EU. We have to make sure that they comply with EU law and that EU law is enforced, even if it is based in a third country and even if its data are stored in a ‘cloud.’”

As the EC continues working to revise the 1995 Data Protection Directive with a deadline to produce a proposal by the end of Jan. 2012, this is a very strong statement highlighting the potential challenges for U.S. businesses, and the cloud computing industry, working effectively in Europe under these new regulations. However, the statement does still leave some flexibility for demonstrating compliance through codes of conduct, binding corporate rules, contracts or safe harbor arrangements.

Meanwhile, in the U.S. there seems to be increasing recognition that the clock has all but run out on privacy legislation for 2011, and we continue to wait for the release of the DOC report on data privacy reflecting the Administration’s position on the issue broadly. It obviously gets tiring to keep typing that it’s expected to be released “any day now,” but, it’s reportedly finalized and expected to be released… any day now.

On the Hill, indications after the House Energy and Commerce Cmte. Republican member meeting last week are that Chairman Upton (R-MI) and Sbcmte. Chair Bono Mack (R-CA) are still moving forward with intentions of advancing the SAFE Data Act before the end of the year. But again, indications are that time and opportunities have almost all but run out for passage of data security legislation in 2011.

Also last week, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released its much anticipated U.S. Government Cloud Computing Technology Roadmap, a series of three volumes that combine to provide guidance for agencies around cloud computing, and to shorten the adoption cycle, enable near-term cost savings and increased ability to quickly create and deploy safe and secure cloud solutions. The Roadmap is part of a very aggressive strategy by the Administration to implement its “cloud-first” policy, and to develop standards and definitions in key areas such as security, interoperability, portability and eventually procurement. The Roadmap is open for public comment until Dec. 2 SIIA has been highly engaged with NIST’s efforts around cloud computing, and we are reviewing the Roadmap and planning to comment.

David LeDuc is Senior Director, Public Policy at SIIA. He focuses on e-commerce, privacy, cyber security, cloud computing, open standards, e-government and information policy.

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Filed Under: Cloud Computing, Digital Policy Roundup, International Policy, Policy, Software Tagged With: , , ,

Cloud Computing: Job Creator

November 1, 2011 By Laura Greenback Leave a Comment

At SIIA we aren’t shy about touting cloud computing’s economic potential. We’ve highlighted it in a whitepaper for policy makers, showcased it in a collection of interviews from 45 member CEOs, and we plug it in the media every chance we get.

David LeDuc, our senior director of public policy, was happy to broach one of his favorite topics in a National Journal article by Sara Jerome called “Silver Lining” (print or online subscription only). The story explores the cloud’s effect on the job market: Will it help fuel a cross-sector entrepreneurial boom, or will it just lead to the end of the in-house IT manager?

Jerome’s article cites a British think tank’s study that predicts cloud computing will create 2.4 million jobs over the next four years in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Though no similar research has been done in the United States, LeDuc says the gains should be even greater for the United States.

“The massive computing infrastructure in the United States gives us an edge,” LeDuc says.

The article goes on to say that “unemployment for IT professions was just 5 percent in September, far less than the national average,” and cites a Microsoft study that says 54 percent of IT decision makers are “hiring as a result of the cloud.”

With the national unemployment rate stagnant at 9.1%, areas of growth like cloud computing should be given the tools they need to thrive. Read our whitepaper or check out some of the research we’ve compiled to learn more.

Laura Greenback is Communications Director at SIIA.

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Filed Under: Cloud Computing, Cloud/Gov, Policy, Policy - Cloud Computing, Software Tagged With: , ,

Do Computing Clouds Have a Green Lining?

October 25, 2011 By Tracy Carlin Leave a Comment

You’re probably already aware of the myriad of benefits that flexible cloud computing is contributing to businesses across the country. The cloud can save you money; the cloud can save you space… but can the cloud save the Earth?

Recent research suggests that as cloud computing is adopted globally and data centers become more efficient, carbon emissions and energy usage can be dramatically reduced. Pike Research recently published a report demonstrating that cloud computing could cut almost a third of data center energy consumption by 2020. As companies adopt cloud computing, they’ll be able to outsource their IT needs and discard some of the costly, energy-chomping servers that have long been an essential part of the computerized office. The numbers will only improve as manufacturers design consumer equipment to optimize with cloud computing networks.

Another research firm, Verdantix, predicts that cloud computing will save 85.7 million metric tons of CO2 emissions by 2020, saving up to $12.3 billion in energy expenses. That’s the equivalent of 200 million barrels of oil not being burned off into the atmosphere.

With that said, there are caveats. An IEEE paper suggests that some intensive or repetitive tasks consume extra energy in switching and transmission. But data centers are constantly working to minimize their energy usage. Like any other business, they want to manage the costs, which may be the greatest benefit for companies looking to reduce their carbon emissions.

CEOs can choose to completely overhaul on-site data and energy usage – a hugely complex and expensive project that can become outmoded quickly with advances in technology — or they can connect to the cloud, and reap the benefits of reduced energy use.

Other Handy Links:
Four Reasons Why Cloud Computing is Energy Efficient
Cloud Computing Meets Energy Management

Tracy Carlin is a Communications and Public Policy Intern at SIIA. She is also a first year graduate student at Georgetown University’s Communication, Culture and Technology program where she focuses on intersections in education, video games and gender.

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Filed Under: Cloud Computing, Policy, Policy - Cloud Computing Tagged With: , ,

Portability in the cloud: Beware of what you wish for

October 14, 2011 By Joseph Alhadeff Leave a Comment

The concept that you should be able to move your data and be free from vendor lock-in in the cloud should be, and is, a shared objective causing little contention. What this portability means and how it is accomplished is subject to different views and interpretations with varying levels of burden and possibility.

Data portability, the ability to move data between vendors, is at its heart a question of open standards and APIs. Those factors are what makes data portable between providers. But portability of data in some minds also includes portability of functionality. While maximizing the utility of transferred data in new and different environments is also a shared goal that can be aided by industry-led, market-driven consensus-based open standards; it is not as straightforward as data portability.

An important way that companies differentiate both products and services is through developing and implementing new features and functions. If requirements of portability were too broadly interpreted, there might be pressure to assure that there was a unitary and global feature set and functionality. This would result in an undue constraint on innovation and would limit the entrance of new and niche players looking to enter the market and serve specific sectors or subsets of needs. This potential problem is best addressed in internationally recognized standards fora where common frameworks and open standards can help create an fluidity and interoperability across environments, without creating undue constraints on innovation or market dynamics.

Some commentators take concepts of portability even further, looking for uniformity in the contract terms and SLAs. Again this presupposes that one unitary contract model and SLA would make sense across myriad offerings, or that such a system of uniformity would provide greater benefit than terms and requirements more tailored to the nature of the information, requested services and players involved.

Furthermore, these concepts of homogenous environments are seen as desirable by some, without any consideration of the sophistication and relationship between the parties. While some benefits may exist for such approaches in mass public offerings, they are not appropriate for business-to-business environments where parties are likely to be more experienced, and services likely more tailored to specific needs.

Lastly, it should be noted that cloud providers, like ICT vendors in general, are anxious to provide as compelling a set of services to their customers as possible, with a view to integrating more services over time and moving from vendor/customer relationships to that of strategic partners. There are great benefits to both sides when such strategic partnership arrangements develop, but to be credible those relationships take time and effort to develop on both sides.

Understanding needs and possibilities, developing synergies and processes that work well for both parties all take time and effort. The more tailored this relationship becomes, the higher the likely switching costs related to changing service providers. Therefore, these “sunk costs” of strategic partnership are a reflection of business fact and necessary to the relationship; they do not constitute unreasonable lock in.

So, portability is great, both conceptually and as a principle, but in operation we can’t afford to lose site of the fact that sometimes you want more choices than a black model T.

Joseph Alahadeph, Vice President, Global Public Policy and Chief Privacy Strategist for Oracle, is involved in cloud policy issues across a number of business associations as well as regional and multilateral organizations.

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Filed Under: Cloud Computing, Policy Tagged With: ,

DOC/DHS Push for Notice on Botnets and Malware, Supreme Court Hearing Major Copyright Protection Case

October 11, 2011 By David LeDuc Leave a Comment

At an event hosted by CSIS last week, Cam Kerry, General Counsel of the Commerce Department and Howard Schmidt, Cybersecurity Coordinator for the Obama Administration, emphasized the importance of their recently launched initiative to develop models to advance voluntary corporate notification to consumers regarding the illicit use of computer equipment by botnets and related malware. DHS and DOC/NIST recently issued a notice on the issue, seeking comment on a range of issues relating to how various actors could participate in a multi-stakeholder process designed to reduce these security threats. SIIA is looking to file comments in this proceeding and is seeking input from members. Comments are due on November 4.

Also on the cybersecurity front on Wednesday, the House Republican Cybersecurity Task Force released their formal recommendations. The Task Force was created by House Republican Leadership on June 24th, and asked to provide recommendations to Leadership. As expected, the Recommendations favor many SIIA priorities, such as a narrow definition of “critical infrastructure,” incentive-based approach, rather than regulations, as international collaboration, heavy engagement with the private sector, and providing public awareness regarding threats and existing solutions and best practices. SIIA put out a statement supporting the recommendations and highlighting some of our key priorities.

Importantly, the Recommendations also reiterated the House Republican’s belief that a large, “comprehensive” bill is practical, rather stressing the need for relevant committees to consider legislation separately through regular order. Consistent with this approach, Rep. Goodlatte indicated this week that he will soon introduce a proposal to enhance enforcement of cybercrime.

Also last week, the Supreme Court heard on Wednesday heard oral arguments in Golan v Holder. Before the court was the issue of whether Congress can restore copyright protection to a work whose copyright protection had previously expired and was therefore in the public domain. The court will decided whether the Copyright Clause and/or the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibit Congress from taking works out of the public domain. SIIA included a detailed summary of the oral arguments in our IP Policy Update.

David LeDuc is Senior Director, Public Policy at SIIA. He focuses on e-commerce, privacy, cyber security, cloud computing, open standards, e-government and information policy.

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Filed Under: Cloud Computing, Copyright, Digital Policy Roundup Tagged With: , ,
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