Berkeley Haas >PLAY Conference, Digital Media, Diwali and Obama

I know that's a mouthful of a title - but let me help connect the dots (or clouds).

I will be talking about Cloud Computing, educating the future CEOs about the distinction between water vapor (thanks to on-premise CEOs), vapor products (thanks traditional vendors), private clouds (thanks disharmony) and real cloud computing!

Its a great day outside. Its Diwali - a show of lights celebrating all that's good - but Obama can explain this better using digital media than I can using words.

So as I venture to engage in a discussion on Cloud Computing at the Digital Media Conference, I can't help but wonder how else - Cloud (Youtube) and Digital Media (Online Video) would Obama be able to reach a micro audience (okay a billion people but only 2% of the population in USA) without the two - Cloud & Digital Media.

Look forward to talking to a lot of young (and old) MBA students and others attending >PLAY.

http://www.playconference.org/panels.html#panel6

Write me your thoughts.

Cloud Computing is Difficult For CEOs To Understand

Over the last week, there has been a resurgence in problems very intelligent people are having with the term 'Cloud Computing '. This problem is likely to worsen this week. So, what's going on ?

Upton Sinclair used to say- "It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it!"

I think - "It is difficult to get an on-premise CEO to understand something, when his maintenance revenue depends upon his not understanding it!", call it the Cloud Computing Sinclair Corollary.

For the rest of us that don't have that problem, its rather easy - an application that works on the internet without requiring you to install lots of software or buy hardware.

If you need further help, here is a video (hat tip Vinnie):

Next time you hear a CEO explain how he's finding it difficult to differentiate between decades of on-premise software and hardware, and cloud computing - give him a hug. He just can't understand - the maintenance revenue prevents it.

India Investment & Enterpreneurship Event with Mayfield VC and Former Minister

I wanted to extend an invitation to the blog readers and discount (code: INDIA for 50% off) to an interesting upcoming event for those looking to do business in India.

On October 12th, 2009, join key influencers, and opinion makers at "Advantage India." Explore Investment, Business, and Career opportunities in India. Discuss industry issues candidly, debate new ideas and trends, ask questions, and share opinions. Network with technology executives, venture capitalists, investors, and intellectuals.

• An award-winning journalist, scholar, politician - Dr. Arun Shourie, Former Minister, Information Technology, Disinvestment and Communications, India;
• India's (Former) Lead Banker who co-chaired a G20 Working Group - Dr Rakesh Mohan, Former Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India;
• The Silicon Valley VC who has the Midas touch - Mr Navin Chaddha, Managing Director, Mayfield Fund;
• One of the most influential investors in technology - Mr. M.R Rangaswami, Co-Founder, Sand Hill Group.
• V.I.P. Guest: Mr. Jamshyd Godrej, Managing Director, Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

If you are interested in what's happening in India and how to do business there, I certainly recommend this panel discussion.

More information here. Location: PlugNPlay Tech Center, Sunnyvale (Monday Oct 12th at 6.30pm).