The document provides guidance for an initial discussion post on cloud computing and virtualization. It asks the reader to consider the benefits and risks of cloud computing for businesses, potential areas of exposure, and their decision as a business leader. It emphasizes performing independent research beyond course materials and considering all relevant factors to take a comprehensive, forward-looking position. It also outlines submission requirements, with an initial post due by day 3 and the discussion closing on day 7 of the week.

1. As you craft your initial post, you will be using information
from your texts, along with conducting independent research
with sources outside of the required texts. Start your discussion
with the following questions:
What are your thoughts on cloud computing and
virtualization? Use your independent research to forecast and
substantiate the future landscape.
Is it a prudent business decision for companies?
What are the benefits? What are the risks?
What are some possible/potential areas of exposure?
Considering the items you listed above, what are the benefits
and challenges?
If you were the decision-maker, what would be your direction?
Keep in Mind:
You will need to perform independent research beyond the
course text materials in order to discuss and explain the
elements of a comprehensive and well-thought-out position.
Consider all facets that are necessary to be proactive and
successful in evaluating not only what is happening now, but
also the potential future landscape.
Submission Requirements and Resources

2. In order to facilitate group discussion and take into account the
varying student schedules, please post original responses by
Day 3 of the Week at 11:59 pm CST.
Discussion boards will close
Day 7 of the week at 11:59 pm CST
each week.
Head over to the resources page,
Discussion Criteria: Submissions and Engagement.
to view specific discussion requirements, examples, and the
discussion rubric.
A HINT about Conference Discussion at the Masters Level:
Try to get your initial post in early in the conference week and
dialogue with your classmates through the conference week.
Think of our online as discussion in a traditional classroom.
Posting your initial post and your responses at the last moments
of the discussion week would be similar to entering a traditional
classroom and discussion with 10 minutes left in the class -
missing the discussion and dialogue raised by your classmates.
Remember, the intent of our conference discussion is to drive
the discussion to the next level... the Masters Level of
scholarly discussion.
Also... posting early has its benefit, as you do not want to say
the same thing that a classmate states. Finally - please use
academic citations to fortify your position