Google the attributes of cloud computing and you will likely get a list like this: on-demand self service, scalable and elastic, resource pooling, metered by use and uses Internet technologies.  Lately we have been preparing to deliver turnkey cloud solutions and supporting consulting services.  This may seem a slight departure from our focus on delivering knowledge to need, but it struck me today that there is a great deal of similarity in the thought processes of each. 

The idea of on-demand self service is that the cloud service is ready to use and can be provisioned without any help from the support team.  Our thin layer approach to knowledge to need is that the role of the company is to connect people to the problem then get out of the way.  The smaller the company layer (support team) the better the model is working.  In other words customer value results not infrastructure.

Scalability is the ability to grow or shrink based on the application’s demand and elasticity is how fast resources can be added or removed.  Our knowledge to need model is based on the ability to quickly add task specific professionals who have been previously vetted based on skills and passion.  Using the knowledge to need search engine we can quickly add resources rapidly in response to job requirements.  We then release those independent professionals or companies when the task is complete.  Some may not like the model, but to the professional pursuing their passion the process allows the freedom to choose tasks specifically aligned to their interests and work when and where they choose.

Resource Pooling is to the ability of software to be offered to multiple user entities in a way so that each tenant operates as logically isolated, while using physically shared resources.  The knowledge professionals in the previous paragraph and increasing in years to come will likely work for multiple entities without a specific company affiliation, but delivering like expertise based on their individual passion.

Metered by Use refers to the measurement of services in a way similar to electricity or mobile phone usage. Also, consistent with our thin layer approach as typified in delivery platforms such as oDesk.com workers set an hourly rate, bid for jobs, deliver and are paid accordingly.

As seems obvious, uses Internet technology refers to the accessibility of cloud services through the Internet.  Our knowledge to need model likewise accepts that work in the new normal is not constrained by time or location.  Use of the Internet creates a workforce upon which the work never sets.

I may just have my head in the clouds, but I think the ideas around cloud computing and knowledge to need converge.  As we begin driving the delivery of consumable cloud service and associated consulting, I think we find great value applying the model.  Our success will depend greatly on our ability to identify, scale and deploy passionate professionals to sell, innovate and consult with customers to provide a captivating user experience.  Let us know if you see yourself as one of those professionals.