2013-07-23 Tuesday - Book Review: Cloud Computing, Concepts, Technology & Architecture, by Thomas Erl

Book Review:

Cloud Computing
Concepts, Technologies & Architecture
By Thomas Erl, with Zaigham Mahmood and Ricardo Puttini
Pearson Education, The Prentice Hall Service Technology Series with Thomas Erl


First, let me say - this is an excellent book. The content is well organized, well written, and is useful as a reference for both business as well as technical personnel. With the information in this book, you will have established a firm foundation from which to define pilot projects to explore Cloud Computing initiatives within your own company, as well as being better informed as to what considerations should be of paramount concern if you need to work through an RFI, RFP, or RFQ process.  Consequently, you will also be much better prepared for evaluating various Cloud Vendor service offerings.

What I particularly appreciate about the Thomas Erl series of books published by Pearson Education in the Prentice Hall Series, is the obvious attention to detail and thoroughness of the the treatment for a given topic. This book continues that fine tradition.

With such a broad and deep topic as Cloud Computing, certainly no one book can be the definitive reference. However, this one is a good first step to acquiring mastery within the domain of Cloud Computing, and I highly recommend that you add it to your bookshelf.  It will help you navigate further in your exploration of the complex issues and challenges in devising cloud strategies.

Another excellent benefit of this book (for a large organization): Providing a common lexicon as the basis for establishing a common understanding of the concepts, architecture patterns, risks, and terminology of Cloud Computing.

Of particular note: Interspersed throughout the text are citations of real-world case studies.

At 487 pages, this is a great value for the price.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Case Study Background

Part I: Fundamental Cloud Computing
Chapter 3: Understanding Cloud Computing
Chapter 4: Fundamental Concepts and Modules
Chapter 5: Cloud-Enabling Technology
Chapter 6: Fundamental Cloud Security

Part II: Cloud Computing Mechanisms
Chapter 7: Cloud Infrastructure Mechanisms
Chapter 8: Specialized Cloud Mechanisms
Chapter 9: Cloud Management Mechanisms
Chapter 10: Cloud Security Mechanisms

Part III: Cloud Computing Architecture
Chapter 11: Fundamental Cloud Architectures
Chapter 12: Advanced Cloud Architectures
Chapter 13: Specialized Cloud Architectures

Part IV: Working With Clouds
Chapter 14: Cloud Delivery Model Considerations
Chapter 15: Cost Metrics and Pricing Models
Chapter 16: Service Quality Metrics and SLAs

Part V: Appendices
Appendix A: Case Study Conclusions
Appendix B: Industry Standards Organizations
Appendix C: Mapping Mechanisms to Characteristics
Appendix D: Data Center Facilities (TIA-942)
Appendix E: Emerging Technologies
Appendix F: Cloud Provisioning Contracts
Appendix G: Cloud Business Case Template