I wish to propose a heresy: that the word `computing’ is no longer helpful in the description of anything useful in the world of business information management infrastructures. I am thinking of the latest buzz-phrase to surface that tries to encapsulate the way information management tools are developing – `Cloud Computing’. Neither of these words are particularly appropriate, in my view, but the word `computing’ is really starting to get in the way. 

The most important point here is that, once the Computing-word is used the clear implication is that the technology is the most important aspect of what is happening. The means is more important than the end and should remain so. But with business information systems, the end in question is the delivery of a business process that makes sense – and preferably money – for the overall business. How it gets to be completed is secondary to it being completed accurately, reliably and in a timely fashion. 

In one way, the `Cloud’ is a good term for the way information systems are changing, even if it has been slightly misappropriated and extended in meaning from its original use in communications only. But yes, an increasing amount of the services and processes a business requires can now be provided from within the Cloud, without the user knowing – and arguably needing to care – what it is, where it is, or what is providing it.  

Even where businesses still feel it important to maintain ownership of their data in some way, usually by maintaining onsite facilities, the Computing-word part of it is at last starting to take a back seat. Take data warehousing as an example; specialist companies like Netezza have carved a niche here by providing this capability as an appliance – which gets a good way along the road to being a `sealed box’ solution to a problem. It is an approach that is obviously working as well, for data warehousing’s big name, Teradata, has just launched a range of small, appliance solutions itself. 

At the same time however,Kognitio, has taken things one step further with the introduction of a SaaS-delivered data warehouse solution. Already labelled a DaaS – which itself presages a whole new category of  `aaS’ offerings – this allows users to pay for space and warehousing services on its own datacentres. And if a business lacks the skills to set one up themselves, Kognitio can do it for them.  

Yes, businesses will have to pay for this, but they will undoubtedly pay less than trying to hire-in the expertise as staff, and the chances are they will get better-quality services than if done in-house. And in making that step, they will be one step further away from direct concerns with the technology, and the Computing-word will grow less important, less relevant to them.