Cloud computing has been a key discussion topic among almost every other industry in the recent past. End users and solution providers alike are following the latest developments in cloud computing technologies, applications, and processes in order to understand the implication of such a technology in their respective fields. Similarly, Asia/Pacific manufacturing companies are closely watching this to explore whether this is a potential enabler for them to become more efficient, productive, reliable, responsive, and responsible in their businesses.
Every other week, there is some event or announcement that discusses cloud computing and its effect on the industry. One such recent event is the HP MDI User Group Forum 2010 in Singapore, during which cloud computing was the dominant theme. Another press release from Siemens PLM Software announced a joint project with Microsoft Corporation to create a cloud computing–based quality management solution using the Microsoft Windows Azure platform.
IDC Manufacturing Insights is also closely watching the developments in this technology area. However, the diverse manufacturing landscape in APEJ and the different IT maturity levels in various organizations definitely require a discussion on this topic from the point of view of the business and IT users, as to how this is going to change the way technology enables a business, if at all.