It’s no secret that I’m keen on the idea of Cloud Computing (and cloud storage in particular), so the concept of evolving standardisation is extremely exciting. I would also contend that for certain pieces of the cloud storage infrastructure we do need standards: Security, authentication, and the ability to dynamically switch workloads.

Championing “open” and calling for standards has become the first stalling action by late-movers in technology spaces. They see opportunity passing by and try to hold back progress and FUD the market by yelling about proprietary solutions, vendor lock-in, and a lack of standards. Many well-intentioned IT folks follow along: After all, who doesn’t want openness, standardization, and interoperability?