Repost, with comments: Report: SaaS Usage up 500% Since 2010; Second Cloud Front on Its Way

article at: http://www.telecompetitor.com/report-saas-usage-up-500-since-2010-second-cloud-front-on-its-way/

It's no big surprise that cloud has been thoroughly embraced by IT.  Given its ability to scale with demand (elasticity, going up or down in capacity), offer cost conscious means of using expensive software, and lessening IT burden onboarding new software and technologies, it's a boon to both users as well as vendors of these products.

What is interesting is the lag factor when it comes to industrial automation. 

Repost: Microsoft's New CEO, survey from MSPMentor, with comments

http://mspmentor.net/careers/microsofts-new-ceo-your-top-pick-plus-our-favorite-longshots?cl=article_4?utm_source=121013&utm_medium=MSP&utm_campaign=NL

This survey from the readers of MSPMentor predicts the next CEO of Microsoft, now that Steve Ballmer has decided to step down.  What's really interesting is that the lead contender is their Cloud Lead. Microsoft has been active in educating the market, building out partnerships, and providing extensive infrastructure to become a leading cloud technology company. 

Certainly, if you read my blog yesterday, you saw that Invensys and Microsoft just completed their Eye Opener Series for the Cloud--Proof Points--to show that there's more to our partnership than just positioning, there are customers, products and services that are attached to this program.  It's an initiative that's pervasive for both companies, bringing productivity, cost savings and flexibility to users.  Although the seminar series is now over, we are planning more events within the next few months to continue our drive and education to help you understand, and utilize, cloud hosting and technology.

Eye Opener: the Cloud for Industry: "High Level" Thoughts and Takeaways

Seminars were held November 12 (Chicago)  and 14 (Boston)

The final Eye Opener Seminars/The Cloud for Industry: Proof Points were held November 12 in Microsoft headquarters in downtown Chicago, and then in Cambridge, MA on November 14.  Both featured a line up of experienced speakers from Microsoft, Invensys, and partner Saugatuck Technology who revealed the secrets to effective utilization of the cloud in an industrial setting.

Repost, with comments: Virtual or Bare Metal Dedicated Cloud: Which Option is Right for You?

http://talkincloud.com/private-cloud/virtual-or-bare-metal-dedicated-cloud-which-option-right-you?cl=article_5?utm_source=120213&utm_medium=TLK&utm_campaign=NL&elq=~~eloqua..type--emailfield..syntax--recipientid~~&elqCampaignId=~~eloqua..type--campaign..campaignid--0..fieldname--id~~

A good article from the Talking Cloud on the differences, and unique benefits, of virtual machine-based versus "bare metal" cloud architectures.  Invensys offers both options, based on Microsoft's Azure, for there are times when a customer wants basically outsourced IT to manage their applications, and other times, customers require the additional security that an on-site hosted solution brings.  It's a matter of preference, budget, and sometimes corporate standards, that may determine or influence which design is used.

Cloud for Industry Eye Opener Seminar: An Excellent Time Was Had By All

Microsoft has 9 data centers worldwide for Azure hosting

We just kicked off the first of 3 FREE Eye Opener Seminars on the Cloud for Industry: Proof Points.  A packed room heard Jason Short/Microsoft, Paul Shelton & Saadi Kermani/Invensys and Mike West/Saugatuck Technologies speak on the readiness of the cloud, the applicability to industrial automation, proof points of use, and products available today.

Gartner Recognizes Microsoft as a Cloud Infrastructure as a Service Visionary

this post is from Microsoft's Azure Blog.
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/windowsazure/archive/2013/08/28/gartner-recognizes-microsoft-as-a-cloud-infrastructure-as-a-service-visionary.aspx

Although Gartner does not endorse any specific vendor, it's exciting and encouraging to see that Invensys partner Microsoft is recognized as a Service Visionary for their Azure offering.

If you are interested in hearing more about Microsoft's Azure offering, we have a series of upcoming free seminars--the first one is in Mountain View, CA on September 18, from 8am through 1:30pm. Registration is free and you can access from here: http://global.wonderware.com/EN/Pages/EyeOpenerSeminar-TheCloudforIndustry.aspx

So check this blog for more updates, congratulations to our partner Microsoft for their Visionary position, and we hope to see you in Mountain View on September 18th.

It's back: Free Seminar on the Cloud for Industry!

Back by popular demand, the half day, free seminar on the Cloud for Industry is coming to a Microsoft location near you.

Our first seminar will be held on September 18, 2013 at the Microsoft Technical Center in Mountain View, CA.  Sponsored by Wonderware Norcal, this venue is right in the center of Silicon Valley. 

The program features updates by Microsoft on Azure hosting and technology, new product offerings taking advantage of the cloud by Invensys, and a guest analyst speaker with deep roots in cloud technology.

Interested?  Register here: https://www.cvent.com/events/eye-opener-seminar-the-cloud-for-industry-proof-points/registration-4496610e816b4335a5384a2634df2e1a.aspx.  We are looking forward to meeting you, and discussing your own journey to the cloud!

Industrial Automation & Robotic Systems | April 10, 2013 | IHS GlobalSpec Events

Industrial Automation & Robotic Systems | April 10, 2013 | IHS GlobalSpec Events

I was pleased to be able to provide a view of the cloud for manufacturing through Global Spec.  Invensys has, for the past year, been actively involved in creating products for hosting on Microsoft's Azure.  This presentation is a "back to the basics" on what the cloud is, and how you, as a manufacturer, can start to take advantage of its benefits: scalability, accessibility, lowered costs of use, and enhanced security.

ARC World Forum: A Great Time for Industry

Invensys was proud to participate in the 17th Annual ARC Advisory Group World Industry Forum, February 11-14 in Orlando, FL.  I personally was involved in three sessions: a cloud in manufacturing session (along with our customer from General Mills, who spoke on their use of SmartGlance mobile reporting); a session on operator training simulation, with our customer from the Salt River Project, and a session on social media.

FREE Seminar: The Cloud for Manufacturing

Understand the business benefits and applicability of Azure Cloud Technology in industrial automation.

Join the top experts from Microsoft, Invensys, ARC Advisory Group and Sarla Analytics in a COMPLIMENTARY, interactive half-day seminar.

Register Today!

Dates & Locations

• Houston, TX - May 14, 2012
• Minneapolis, MN - May 17, 2012
• Boston, MA - June 5, 2012
• Redmond, WA - June 7, 2012

Topics

• Business Benefits & Rationale for Cloud Computing
• Azure Cloud Services for Manufacturers
• ARC Advisory Group: Is Industry Ready for the Cloud? ARC Advisory Group: Is Industry Ready for the Cloud?
• Invensys: Collaboration & Reporting in the Cloud
• Sarla Analytics: Analytics in the Cloud 

Accelerating Microsoft Windows Azure Development

Invensys announced an alliance with Microsoft Corp. for migrating some Invensys applications to the Windows Azure cloud. By bringing together industrial thought and technology leaders, the alliance expands our relationship with Microsoft and will afford end users cloud-based offerings in the manufacturing and infrastructure operations space.

Three month free trial of Windows Azure available here.

Bringing the Cloud Down to Earth: Part 2

OK, so I got a bit lazy on my last post.  And I got called on it.  So let's do it right!  We have seen a lot of movement lately on the cloud for industry, and specifically, the cloud for manufacturers. I have written 2 articles now and have participated on one panel, and the outcome of all of it is that manufacturers are in a "wait and see" mode.