Is Cloud Computing a healthy choice?

The analogies that come to mind every time I think about Cloud Computing aways seem to create trite metaphors. Despite this there does seem to be something amazingly simple in relating to the paradigm that has become the moniker everything IT related. One of the challenges is to figure out what someone is talking about when they use the term "Cloud Computing".  Its a little like saying "fast food". Everyone wants it, it is presumed that its going to save you money, and it seems to be everywhere in every different flavor and food type. So how do I figure out the particular benefits to me? You really have to get pretty self centered and try it on to make sure its what you want and will it satisfy what you want to accomplish. Its certainly not a one size fits all remedy for business. Its more like a healthy life style for business than a miracle cure for running your business.

I like a term was coined a few years ago by Avaya (I think) called CEBP  which stands for Computer Enabled Business Processes. I thought this was a fairly straight forward modern view of what should be the end game for all IT development in the 21st century. I was sort of surprised that it came from a telecommunication technology company and not one of the Goliath computer software companies.

It seems to me using a well balanced IT model and quickly implementing processes that benefit and facilitate a company's bottom line whether they be in the Cloud or not should be the objective. What we know about fast food is that its not always the most satisfying and nutritious and a steady diet might just shorten your life.  This is probably something to reflect on when we look at the options that we have when looking for an IT solution to improve our business.