Dell looks at cloud computing for GCC

Technology major Dell will consider creating private cloud computing models for the GCC, said its CEO.

"There are 25 sites around the world for private cloud computing presently. From the regional point of view security, bandwidth and regulatory requirements are essential. Dell will definitely be interested in the region and as per the objectives of the company it will look to expand customer footprint globally. This will be done by building and apply private cloud computing models regionally," said Michael Dell, Founder and CEO of Dell Computers, at IDC CIO Summit held in Dubai.

Cloud computing is an internet-based development and use of computer technology. It describes a delivery model for IT services based on internet. Private cloud and internal cloud are terms that some vendors have recently used to describe offerings that emulate cloud computing on private networks

Dell in his presentation stressed on the fact that the company is not just a hardware company but is focused on software, services and especially cloud computing.

"In the recent past, acquisitions have helped Dell get aggressive on this front. CIOs (chief information officers) today are interested in both private and public cloud models. This is why software as service models is getting successful with broadband and internet being made available easily. There are security protocols to be considered and is also a concern among CIOs."

He added that the needs of CIOs have also changed in today's market scenario.

"There is a definite demand for solutions especially with increased server demand, storage tera bytes and server racks on the rise. CIOs today want to do ERP (enterprise resource planning), CRM (customer relationship management), security messaging on their networks.

"They want to put intelligence on the server and the network layer. With virtual servers and different networks you are forced to figure out process information with minimum resources."

While Dell highlighted the importance of virtualisation and cloud computing, he also shared his views and growing relevance of the mobile platform. "The three-inch platform cannot be underestimated as four billion mobile phones are used globally. A billion and a half is the size of the PC market with 60 million iPhones and BlackBerrys being used by consumers globally. The magnitude is huge with four billion mobile phones being used around the world and 60 million of them being smartphones."

My belief is that in the next five years these four billion users will not want to use a dull phone. They would want internet, applications helping the segment grow."

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