The Rise of Cloud Managed Objects

Some recent announcements, like the new HP cloud strategy, Microsoft Intune launch and Google remote removal of malware from Android devices, show the power of a new category of devices: Cloud Managed Devices, or even better, Cloud Managed Objects (CMOs).

A CMO does not run in the cloud, but is controlled by a smart cloud system, which can update the software, apply security patches, and change configurations to better fit the workload. It brings the power of large computer centers to small endpoint devices and to remote applications.

Imagine a corporation which has thousands of Remote Workers (REWO). In a typical home office setup, the user has his notebook, a small wireless router, a printer, and an IP phone.

He is responsible for the wireless router configuration, including security settings.

The multinational corporation requires all kinds of authentication to join the network, but at the endpoint it is very easy to access the remote user's own wireless network.

Security is not the only problem.  If the connection goes down, it is up to the user to figure out the solution. He may even ask for help from IT, but then both will need to figure out how model B from manufacturer A works.

A good example of a CMO, and the power of cloud management, is Meraki Wireless Router. With Meraki, the user would receive the router from IT and just plug-it into the broadband modem. Meraki is configurable using a cloud service, which is firewall friendly.

IT would be able to ensure policies all over home-offices and keep the systems updated. Meraki centralized servers could analyze thousands of devices' data and automatically change the wireless channel and strength from a remote user router to ensure best reception.

If a major security flaw is discovered, Meraki is able to update all routers, even if internal IT didn't have the time to read the new security bulletin.

Cloud management can be expanded to all sort of devices and applications. I can imagine a storage system connected to the manufacturer and being optimized in real-time, with parameter changes and even with special cache algorithms deployed on-demand.

ERP upgrades could be easier, even for companies that do not run their systems in the cloud. They could run it locally, but the vendor would be able to keep the system always updated and profile how complex it would be to add new features to it.

The power of smart devices tied to huge data centers doesn't just make IT life easier, it enables a new set of applications, more productive companies, and a smarter society. If you have any doubts, please take a look at my preferred CMO, Google's self-driving car.

You can read Ronaldo's other blog entries at IT Matters.