In this latest edition of This Week in BPOS News we look at three different items that span the world of Microsoft Online Services. We start by learning about what Cloud Computing is, we then find out where we can discuss Microsoft’s Cloud Computing and finally end with a real world example of the cloud debate.

1. Shedding Light on Cloud Computing - A Free Primer

Are you jumping into the cloud for the first time? What is cloud computing? Gregor Petri says that “Cloud Computing is the most discussed IT innovation of recent times.” I agree with Gregor’s statement. The cloud is starting to ramp up discussions across not only IT, but all business. If you feel that you are being left out of the loop (or should I say cloud), this article has something just for you. Gregor attached a Primer to this article which he describes as the following:

This Primer provides a structured overview of what Cloud Computing is and what the potential benefits and risks are. In addition it explores how Cloud Computing will impact IT management and IT's role in the organization as a service provider.

I think everyone can benefit from reading this briefing. If you need an intro into the cloud, or want to examine various Cloud types and infrastructures, then this Primer is for you.

2. WPC 2010 – The Worldwide Partner Conference

The Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) is being held next week in Washington D.C. The WPC brings together the Microsoft partner community for an annual event that dives into Microsoft’s “roadmap” for the upcoming year. This is a great conference for partners to network, test new products and share successes and failures.

Microsoft BPOS will be a main story discussed at this year’s WPC. We can’t wait to hear BPOS lectures, discussions and brainstorms from Microsoft employees and Microsoft Partners. You can follow all of the action by tuning into the WPCDC twitter account.

Are you attending WPC this year in DC? Leave us a comment on your experience and expectations.

3. Microsoft Aims To Alleviate Health IT Cloud Concerns

Would you feel safe if your most personal information was being stored in the Cloud? This is the struggle that many health facilities are facing. Collaboration between doctors, labs and hospitals is crucial. Collaboration needs to be fast, accurate and safe. So doesn’t it make sense to move data to the cloud? It sounds like a good idea, but do you trust the cloud with your most precious information? Many companies are already using the cloud to store sensitive data. The cloud is secure (at least Microsoft’s Cloud) and this article focuses on how Microsoft is trying to “alleviate” the concerns of the Cloud in regards to the Health industry.

This article discusses the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. HITECH is a government act that has established incentive based programs for the “meaningful use” of certified electronic medical record (EMR) technology. The article asks “is the Obama administration’s objective to move medical practices and hospitals away from paper-based systems and onto digitalized records?”

This piece outlines many more intriguing facts and arguments surrounding the debate of adopting cloud computing to host patient information. What are your thoughts? Would you trust your most intimate information if it was on the cloud? Should medical facilities adopt the Cloud? Leave your comments below.

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