XRDS

Crossroads The ACM Magazine for Students

Sign In

Association for Computing Machinery

XRDS: Book Review

Cloud Computing for Dummies, 
by Judith Hurwitz, Robin Bloor, Marcia Kaufman and Fern Halper (November 2009)

Reviewed by Daniel Gooch

| More

Cloud computing is becoming increasingly important. As with all the books in the Dummies series, this volume is intended for novices, which has two main consequences: 1) the tone of the book is light and easy to read, and 2) there is a lack of technical detail.

Rather than harping on technical details, the book is focused on the business aspects of cloud computing. The book starts with a introduction to what cloud computing is, its value, and how to develop a “cloud strategy.” The rest of the book is sectioned into understanding the nature of the cloud, examining elements of the cloud, and managing the cloud. A vast variety of topics are covered, from security to data management to economic advantages. The result is, again, a minimal amount of information on each topic. 

The final section, entitled “Part of Tens,” is a nice addition, including 10 summary points of the entire volume. There are also 10 cloud computing resources, but the book includes no detailed bibliography, which would have been useful for readers who wish to learn more.
 
Cloud Computing for Dummies is a good introduction to cloud computing, especially for those interested in the business benefits. But those who are more interested in the technical aspects of creating cloud computing are likely to be disappointed.

 Cloud Computing for Dummies

Cloud Computing for Dummies

By Judith Hurwitz, Robin Bloor, Marcia Kaufman and Fern Halper

$29.99

November 2009

Wiley Publishing