The Open Data Center Alliance has announced that it will host a major event, Forecast 2012: Shaping the Future of Cloud Computing, June 12 in New York City. Held in conjunction with the 10th International Cloud Expo, this event will be open to Alliance members, partner organizations and any companies and organizations interested in addressing the most pressing challenges associated with transitioning to cloud computing. The event will include presentations by top cloud visionaries, classes presented by Alliance technical leaders and the latest industry advancements in delivery of solutions based on Alliance requirements.

"The Alliance plays a critical role in defining user requirements for cloud and forging collaboration with leading providers and industry standards bodies in accelerating solution delivery,"said Marvin Wheeler, chairman of the Open Data Center Alliance. "Forecast 2012 will provide a microcosm of the organization's charter, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the brightest minds in this space as they address the most pressing challenges facing adoption of cloud today and discuss progress on deployments of cutting edge solutions based on Alliance requirements. No cloud computing event offers the breadth of engagement that Forecast 2012 will deliver to Alliance members and other interested companies wanting to engage."

The event will feature multiple tracks including security in the cloud, simplified cloud management and the latest best practices from leading providers and implementers of cloud solutions. Presentations and panels will focus on the Open Data Center Alliance usage models, including the latest publications from the organization. The event will also provide a unique opportunity for participants to meet and interact with the leadership of the organization, made up of some of the world’s leading IT organizations. Alliance solutions provider members will also showcase products that have been developed within the guidelines of Alliance usage models. For more information, or to register for Forecast 2012, please visit Forecast 2012.

Conference passes begin at $1295 for Alliance members, with discounted multiple-pass packages available. A limited number of sponsorship packages are also available. Early Bird pricing for registration is being offered until April 13, 2012. To purchase passes, please visit Forecast 2012. If you are interested in sponsoring the conference, please contact forecast2012@mail.opendatacenteralliance.org.

The announcement of the Alliance's first event is another measurement of the rapid progress made since the organization was launched in October 2010. In June 2011 the organization released the first end-user authored usage models for cloud computing. The organization has also grown to more than 350 global members, representing over $100B in collective IT spend. Intel Corporation serves as the technical advisor for the organization. To learn more about the ODCA, or to become a member, visit www.opendatacenteralliance.org.