Cloud's Illusions

"It's cloud's illusions I recall; I really don't know clouds, at all..."

The song "Both Sides Now" by Judy Collins, can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CavaVZI_xDc .

What is a cloud?  Something seen but not touched?  Is it the manifestation of true vaporware?  No, it is the now chapter in pervasive computing.  You simply shuttle your applications to someone else's architecture with all the ease of moving your network communications to the MPLS networks.  Costs and security issues VANISH!

Or do they?  Need information?  You need Computerworld.  One article gives great information on Microsoft's approach, security compliance.  Another IT figure will show the problems with some clouds, reaffirming it's the cloud you know that's more trustworthy.

I'm not sure.  I really don't know clouds after all.  What do you think are the key issues?  I feel somewhat betrayed by the continual mention of security issues with wide-ranging answers being given.  What are your cloud computing flash points?  Is there thunder and lightening in today's cloud computing?

jt, CISSP-ISSAP