Computerworld: Security remains a top concern for cloud app builders

Amazon, IBM, Rackspace reps debate cloud security and availability, along with use of SQL and database connectivity in the cloud at ZendCon

Security, cited as an issue with cloud computing when the concept began to take hold several years ago, remains a pivotal concern for developers, an IBM official stressed on Wednesday afternoon.

Executives from IBM and Amazon sparred over the degree of security issues pertinent to cloud computing during a conference panel session at the ZendCon 2011 event in Santa Clara, Calif. Transitioning from a dedicated facilities to a shared environment in the cloud means developers must build proper security in their applications, said Mac Devine, IBM Distinguished Engineer. Developers cannot assume the public cloud provider will secure everything, he warned: “You can’t depend on the fact that, ‘OK, nobody can get behind my firewall.'”

More of the Computerworld article from Paul Krill

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Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.