
It’s hard to believe that it has been 15 years since the first International Cloud Expo, but it really did get its start in 1999. The next event will be held in Silicon Valley at the Santa Clara Convention Center. It starts on November 4 and runs through November 6. In addition, it is being organized by SYS-CON Events (part of SYS-CON Media), which according to it’s website is, “the world’s leading publisher of i-technology magazines, electronic newsletters, and accompanying i-technology breaking news, education and information Web portals.”
Expected to take place are strategic sessions, discussion, panels, meetings with power players in the industry, as well as keynote speakers. In fact, there are 175 sessions to keep you busy and informed during the three day event. Essentially, the “who’s who” and up and comers in the cloud computing field will be attending. Every year’s expo has been deemed successful, and this year’s event should be no different. If you miss the Silicon Valley Expo, the next one will be held in New York City, in June of 2015. Tickets range between $1,800 for early birds to $2,500 if purchased on the same day. Moreover, there are collectible conference bags and refreshment breaks.
Verizon was named the “Gold Sponsor” for this year’s event. So, not only does that help cover event costs, but it is significant promotion for Verizon. Also, vendors that represent all layers of the cloud ecosystem such as platforms, infrastructure and applications will be attending. Other sponsors are Oracle and CodeFutures.
For example, at a previous Cloud Expo, keynote speakers came in from IBM, Rackspace, Akamai, Intel and Citrix. Some of the topics included, “Why Is Big Data Such Big Business?,” “CTO Power Panel: Has Cloud Computing Changed IT for the Better?” and “CEO Power Panel: Where’s the Cloud Taking IT Next?” As you can imagine, this is where much of the field’s thought leadership starts and gets disseminated. Furthermore, it is where partnerships and alliances can and do get formed.
With this event, you’ll get keynotes from Microsoft’s Azure line (opening keynote), CA DevOps summit, and IBM. To illustrate, Steven Martin, General Manager of Window Azure, Microsoft will talk about how to expand storage systems, as well as how to use Big Data more efficiently. On the other end, IBM has chosen to discuss, “Cloud as a Growth Engine for Business – Unleashing Software-Driven Innovation.” Also, Cisco is sending David Klebanov, a Technical Solutions Architect to talk about how policy models for app development are started. You won’t find these types of keynotes and this mix at other technology conventions.
You will also get to see a multitude of exhibits (over 100) with company employees displaying their latest and greatest when it comes to cloud offerings. TechXtend (formerly Programmer’s Paradise) is confirmed to be there, and they are the exclusive reseller for R Revolution in the United States. Moreover, they work with enterprise businesses, government and academic institutions providing platforms and software solutions. The company first went public in 1995.
If you like testing things out, not to worry. There is a Demo Theater so that you can get up close and personal with the innovations you want to see. It also allows delegates the opportunity to put their words into action, and gauge response for new launches. Basically, you will get a first-hand view of many offerings before they are sold nation and worldwide.
For added enjoyment, there will be giveaways throughout the event such as products, software and services. Also, there will be free Wireless broadband and a beanbag lounge for when you are ready to take a breather. Some of the movers and shakers will be interviewed live in the SYS-CON.TV studio. which you can watch. Tickets are expected to sell quickl