From the Editor
Volume 13, Number 6: March 16, 2009
Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Every generation needs a new revolution." There
are many factors at play today that I believe are leading up to something
revolutionary. With the confluence of high energy prices, growth in the Internet
technology space, and the dramatic rise of cloud computing platforms, I believe
we are looking straight into the eyes of the "next big thing."
Enter the Grid - the Smart Grid
Juval Löwy (world-recognized authority on Windows Communication Foundation,
and Microsoft software legend) and I have engaged in many conversations about
"Smart Grid." The Smart Grid represents a vision for a digital upgrade of
electricity distribution and transmission grids to optimize current operations
and open up new markets for alternative energy production. Such a modernized
electricity network is being promoted by many governments as a way of addressing
energy independence or global warming issues.
Follow the Money
It turns out that Silicon Valley represents a worldwide leadership position
where these exciting new technologies are being developed. Take a walk down Sand
Hill Road in Menlo Park (the world's epicenter of venture capital), and you'll
learn that Smart Grid-related technologies are indeed the next big thing.
Millions, if not billions, of dollars are at work as you read this editorial.
The U.S. government is pledging huge amounts of capital and tax incentives to
help accelerate innovation in this space. A cornerstone of making all this work
is software.
Cloud + Grid = Opportunity
Besides the obvious socially redeeming qualities of such efforts, I have a keen
interest in this movement because of the way I see it tying into cloud computing. In
particular, the cloud provides the critical infrastructures that will allow us to
optimize the flow of information among electrical devices, consumers, the power grid,
transportation, and energy providers.
Education Day
Juval and I will be putting together a so-called "education day" where we
introduce developers to exciting new opportunities relating to software in this
space. This is the perfect time to jump in and leverage your software skills in
an area that will experience explosive growth over the next few years,
particularly if you reside in the Northern California area.
Get Your Head into the Clouds
I just finished a speaking tour of Silicon Valley and Portland, Oregon. It is
amazing to me how few developers truly understand what cloud computing really means
and how the Azure Services Platform represents a giant leap forward for developers
who are writing software connected to the cloud.
I strongly encourage my readers to learn more about Smart Grid and cloud computing.
Together they represent a huge amount of opportunity for skilled software developers.
Juval and I are planning to host an education day sometime during the week of April 13.
Please keep your eye on
my blog to stay up to date on the latest news. The planning of this education day
is currently in progress. As I stated in previous editorials, nothing is more expensive
than a missed opportunity.
Facilitated by Microsoft, this event, on March 26, will provide an open forum where
architects can meet to discuss technologies with their peers. This forum will provide
first-hand experience and best practices that will enable its members to learn from each
other and transfer knowledge. Please join us for this great opportunity to learn, share
and network with your peers and other company leaders.
See you all soon on the grid - the Smart Grid, that is!
Bruno
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