One of the main questions looming over Cloud Computing is "who will regulate". We've discussed many times here before on how current Cloud regulations are piecemeal at best. At this point even Microsoft has called for regulation for the Cloud.
It appears now that Intel has stepped up it's game to try to regulate/create standards for the Cloud. I'm certain that Intel is fearful that their chip business will be negatively affected as Cloud Computing evolves. Forced to make a move Intel has responded by creating the Open Data Center Alliance. A group of 70 data centers working together to create standards for Cloud inter-operability. I think the move is a good one for data centers because with their own infrastructure and standards Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and SalesForce simply don't have to participate in any standards whatsoever.
It's also becoming clearer that Google and Microsoft will be duking it out for government and large business accounts for years to come. I personally feel that Cloud Computing regulations and standards will prove to be one of the great battles of the next few years.I wouldn't be surprised if we see heavy lobbying from Microsoft, Google and others to encourage government regulation of the Cloud. If they can scoop up as many government contracts as possible they'll then outmaneuver the other players. Currently the Cloud feels a little bit like the Wild West of Computing.
What are your thoughts?