The computing industry has seen several changes in its basic computing models since commercial computing began in the 1940’s: first batch, then timesharing, then personal, then client-server, then the Web. We stand on the verge of another great transition: to ubiquitous, utility-based computing, or "cloud" computing.

Like previous changes, this transition is rooted in technologic and economic forces. On the technology side, multi-core standard microprocessors have brought all business computing problems within range of cost-effective commodity platforms. This allows the standardization that is essential to the construction of any utility capability. On the economic side, the cost of wide-area communications has dropped dramatically, and its bandwidth has improved even more dramatically. This makes "computing at a distance" practical, even for applications with rich media or large datasets.

The impact of cloud computing on IT will be profound. Cloud computing levels the playing field for small and mid-size companies by breaking capability and capital dependency. Leading-edge computing capability can now be deployed anywhere, to meet global customer demands, without internal investment in physical IT infrastructure. This is expected to speed innovation and business agility while lowering costs.

But with the promise of cloud comes a host of problems and challenges. A basic premise of IT security is the physical control of core IT systems. How does the security model need to change if those systems are not on-premises, perhaps not even in-country? Regulations often assume that systems and data are located within a company's buildings. What is the impact if that is no longer true? IT applications are usually developed to an expected audience size. How must applications change to meet the potential global scope that cloud computing enables? Alternately, how must the cloud change to allow enterprise applications to be run unchanged?

The answers to these and the many other questions inherent in cloud computing do not have easy answers. They require analysis, insight and innovation. Unisys is committed to tackling the key issues in cloud computing and seeks the input of any individual who is as intrigued by the possibilities and complexities of cloud as we are.

After an eventful 2009, Unisys is back with Cloud 20/20 Version 2.0 giving students the chance to showcase their technical abilities in the rapidly evolving cloud computing industry. This year we are also focusing on new topics such as airport-wide cloud computing architecture and its application in airports – solutions and benefits. We hope to encourage deep insights into the cloud and take this contest to the next level with your contribution. On behalf of Unisys Technology, Consulting and Integration Solutions, thank you for your interest in cloud computing and your participation in this event.