Securing the Cloud

Securing the Cloud

February 16th 12p.m.-4p.m

Speakers start at 12p.m.

Speakers:

Mr. Hank Voight

Session Outline:

BIO:

Hank founded Weston Software, Inc. in 2007. Prior to that, he worked at Microsoft Corp. as a Security Architect for 10 years, during which he led and managed multi-million dollar engagements based on the integration and management of identities into Microsoft Active Directory.

The most pulic example of his work at Microsoft was the infrastructure design, implementation and operation of MSNBC cable television station and the MSNBC internet-based properties.  He is recognized by Microsoft as a security and identity and access managment expert, and also as a worldwide authority on integrating computers that run the Microsoft Windows operating system with systems and platforms offered by other companies.

Hank is acknowledged in the books “Writing Secure Code” and the “Windows Security Resource Guide”, both published by Microsoft Press.  Weston Software, Inc. is the second technology business that Hank has founded.  His first business, VEI Software, which developed accounting systems for the first personal computers, was sold in 1989.

Mr. Bill Zack

Architect Evangelist

Microsoft Developer & Platform Evangelism

Session Outline:

The presentation will be an overview of the state of the art in public clouds with a focus on Windows Azure Platform Security. Beginning with a comparison of the different ways to host applications (on-premise, hosted, in the cloud) it will then cover the types of cloud platforms that are available, the leading players in the industry and what they provide.  This will be followed by a brief overview of the Windows Azure Platform and a discussion of the security and compliance considerations for Windows Azure and other cloud platforms.

BIO:

Bill Zack is an Architect Evangelist with Microsoft. He comes to this role after serving as a Solutions Architect in the Financial Services Unit of Microsoft Consulting Services.  His experience includes developing, supporting and evangelizing .NET/SOA based frameworks used to jump-start development projects for financial services companies. 

Prior to joining Microsoft he acted as a Consultant, Architect, Administrator, Developer, and System Integrator. He has also authored several computer books and white papers. 

He is the Founder and President of the New York chapter of the International Association of Software Architects (IASA) and a member of the IASA International Board of Directors He is also Co-Moderator of the New York City .NET Developers Group, co-founder of the Windows Azure User Group, founder and past president of the New York Enterprise Windows User Group, and the founder and past president of several other computer user groups.

He has been working with the Windows Azure Platform since before the first public Community Technical Preview in 2008. He spends most of his time these days working with customers who are leveraging Microsoft cloud services in their applications.

Mr. Michael Ferris

Director Product Strategies for Cloud Computing

Red Hat Inc.

Session Outline: 

Cloud Computing, the Enterprise and Open Source, Getting Beyond the Hype

Cloud Computing is driving fundamental changes which alter both the capabilities and economics of information technology.  With many enterprises looking to deploy cloud solutions, there is a growing realization of not only the benefits, but of the challenges that cloud computing must overcome.   Only by recognizing both the challenges and benefits of a cloud deployment will enterprises be able to achieve the reduced costs and increased operational efficiency at the scale which can be delivered by the cloud. 

This presentation will discuss cloud computing benefits and challenges from a business, technical, and legal perspective and demonstrate the role that open source and open standards will play in delivering the full promise of cloud computing.

BIO:

Michael Ferris is the Director of Product Strategy for Red Hat's Cloud Computing initiatives where he is responsible for identifying and designing emerging enterprise systems management and cloud offerings.

Michael has more than 15 years of experience in enterprise software development and management. He led product marketing and management teams at Red Hat during the definition and introduction of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux flagship product line. Most recently, Michael guided the creation of Red Hat's enterprise security platform and cloud computing offerings.

Prior to joining Red Hat in 2000, Michael led design, product management, and development at both startup and enterprise software firms including Relativity Technologies, Micro Focus, and Burl Software.

Michael holds a master's degree in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from Vanderbilt University.

Mr. Ed Eldridge

Director of Data Center & Storage Solutions

Accunet Solutions, Inc.

Session Outline:

 The presentation will focus on technology alternatives being considered and utilized by organizations which have decided not to pursue the public cloud options in their current form. In many cases these technologies are implemented to form private clouds (or at least the appearance of cloud-like services) as organizations wait to see the cloud offerings mature to where they can be implement compatible or complementary technologies. The session will include a brief overview of some of the technical, business, and legal objections these organizations have to current cloud offerings.

BIO:

Ed Eldridge is Accunet Solutions' resident expert on next-generation enterprise data centers and storage solutions.  As Director of this key practice area for Accunet, he orchestrates the creation and deployment of all storage and data center projects.  During his more than six years with the Company, Ed’s experience and creativity has made the difference in hundreds of successful projects for dozens of Accunet customers.

Prior to joining Accunet, Ed spent two years with Counterpane Internet Security managing business development within Fortune 500 companies in the Boston and New York markets. Prior to that, Ed was with Marconi Communications as a systems engineer supporting the Company’s largest New England customers. In that role, Ed also developed a technical training methodology used throughout the North American channel. Earlier in his 18-year career Ed held technical positions with Allied Telesis and Cameo Communications. Ed holds a Bachelor Degree from Brown University and a JD from Concord Law School.