Cloud computing took on a fresh new meaning recently when a hardware company specialising in CPU and graphics technologies (AMD) released the results of a survey of companies with over 100 employees.  Previously, cloud computing meant getting rid of in-house IT systems and storage and relying on external third parties to perform this function.  Proponents of cloud computing argue that a company having an in-house IT infrastructure is similar to a company generating its own electricity. We know that data is not the same as electricity.  Data belongs to its owner and has unique intrinsic value.  It is a valuable asset. In contrast, electricity is merely a commodity. This is one reason the uptake of cloud computing has been slow.  AMD wanted to know what was happening in the cloud from a hardware perspective.  The survey results revealed a re-defining of the cloud to include Intranets.  Intranets are clouds where data remains under the direct control of its owner. This is a more palatable form of cloud computing.  The survey also found that large companies going into the cloud have more in-house IT staff than those not going into the cloud.  This is a hint that going to the cloud does not mean getting rid of in-house IT resources.   Background reading:  http://www.compucon.co.nz/content/view/669/5/