Top 50 Most Influential Blogs and Thinkers in Cloud Computing – Part I

Top Cloud Computing Blogs PART I
Top Cloud Computing Blogs PART I

 

Cloud technology is worth talking about. That’s a given.

It is estimated that the worldwide spend on public cloud will reach $162 billion by 2020 (Salesforce 2016).

And with the world spending so much money on cloud tech, it’s no wonder it has become one of the most frequently used technologies in business.

In fact, cloud has contributed to the technology industry reaching the top 5 fastest growing sectors in 2017 (Inc. magazine) and is one of the most blogged about topics this year.

Rapid Growth of Cloud Computing, 2015–2020
Rapid Growth of Cloud Computing, 2015–2020

With so much noise coming from the cloud blogging scene, it can be hard to know which influencers are worth reading and who are not?

To help you sift the wheat from the chaff, zsah has compiled our own exclusive list of the “Top 50 most influential bloggers and thinkers in cloud computing” today.

Top Cloud Computing Blogger Badge

If you are looking for practical, insightful and educational cloud computing blogs and leaders, these are the people you need to be reading in order to stay ahead of the competition.

These bloggers are interesting, highly qualified and are now a member of the zsah’s most influential cloud bloggers list!

We congratulate all the shortlisted influencers for their contribution to cloud technology and look forward to reading plenty more from them in 2018!

It’s important to stress that this blog is in no particular ranking order, everyone is a winner on this list, so if there’s a particular cloud blogger or influencer you are looking for, try searching the page for them and don't forget there is a Part II also!

Click an image to go straight to your favourite Cloud Influencer:

1] Fountnhead – Ken Oestreich

Ken Oestreich
Twitter LogoTwitter: @Fountnhead
Blog: http://fountnhead.blogspot.co.uk/

Ken is not in short supply of experience. Having done stints at Citrix, EMC, Egenera and Cassatt. By his own admission, his blog provides insight into data centre infrastructure, virtualization, and cloud computing. Ken’s blog both predicts and assess the cloud industry and his blogs are simple to read, no-nonsense and insightful. He manages to strike a good balance between reads for technical minded audiences and reads for those who may have more to learn, such as ‘9 Things every marketer should know before they introduce a new technology’

Must read: http://fountnhead.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/the-new-way-well-start-our-digital-day.html

2] Bernard Golden

bernard golden
Twitter LogoTwitter: @bernardgolden
Blog: http://bernardgolden.com/blog/

You’ve probably heard of Goldie Hawn, maybe even Goldie Lookin Chain, but cloud’s very own Bernard Golden is not only a brilliant cloud blog writer but a tech inventor too. He is the author of 5 books including ‘AWS for Dummies’ which proves his knowledge and cements why you should be reading his blog. We are not alone in our high opinion of him either, Wired.com named him one of the ten most influential people in Cloud Computing. He was one of the first to research into Cloud Computing and his passion for the industry makes his blog a must-read.

Must read: http://bernardgolden.com/2017/06/can-blockchain-solve-its-scalability-problem/

3] All things Distributed – Werner Vogels

Werner Vogels
Twitter LogoTwitter: @Werner
Blog: http://www.allthingsdistributed.com/

This entry shouldn’t come as surprise to anyone with any interest in Cloud Technologies. Werner Vogels is Amazon’s very own CTO. His knowledge of AWS, the industry and each specific topic shines through his web blog and it is a great place to visit to get current news stories from the industry. Werner was one of the architects behind AWS and both his practical knowledge and experience is penned in ‘All things Distributed’.

Must read: http://www.allthingsdistributed.com/2017/09/ai-for-everyone.html

4] Cloud Scaling – Randy Bias

randy bias
Twitter LogoTwitter: @randybias
Blog: http://cloudscaling.com/blog/

With a name like Randy Bias, you kind of expect great things and as a self-professed cloud pioneer, Randy delivers. His knowledge of all things technical means his blogs posts are a must read for any cloud enthusiast. The topics covered in Randy’s blog cover everything from Blockchain to DevOps. Randy’s ideas and concepts are new and exciting, and we fully expect that he will continue to be one of the first to capture new technologies as they develop for some time to come.

Must read: http://cloudscaling.com/blog/cloud-computing/aas-backwards-services-as-a-platform/

5] CloudTech – James Bourne

James Bourne
Twitter LogoTwitter: @James_T_Bourne
Blog: https://www.cloudcomputing-news.net/news/?user=419

CloudTech should be any cloud enthusiasts first stop for the latest news about the industry. James’ passion is how technology influences business and his posts demonstrate a correlation between the two. The concept of CloudTech is taking ‘the best industry research’ and putting their own spin on it and it is a concept that works well.

Must read: https://www.cloudcomputing-news.net/news/2017/nov/23/are-availability-zones-disaster-recovery-solution/

6] The Diversity Blog – Ben Kepes

ben kepes
Twitter Logo

Twitter: @benkepes
Blog: http://www.diversity.net.nz/

The Diversity Blog is a great stop for both the technical minded and the everyday user. Ben’s areas of interest extend to leadership development, start-up activity, digital transformation, and enterprise software. On top of this Ben is able to articulate technology for those who are not as familiar with the technologies. With a strong business focus, the blog is current and concise. Keep doing what you’re doing Ben, you may be on the other side of the world, but we’re all listening over here too (not that you need any assurances!)

Must read: http://www.diversity.net.nz/augury-launches-a-platform-to-smart-the-dumb-things/2017/11/07/

7] Compare the Cloud

compare the cloud
Twitter LogoTwitter: @comparethecloud
Blog: https://www.comparethecloud.net/cloud/

Compare the cloud is more than just the written word. Here, you can find a collect of blog posts, videos and articles on cloud providers. For the readers ease, the media is categorised and tabbed so that you can find the exact style of media you are after on the exact topic you need. Topics include GDPR, Blockchain and Big Data.

Must read: https://www.comparethecloud.net/articles/protecting-reputation-brexit-data-breach/

8] Network World - Brandon Butler

brandon butler
Twitter LogoTwitter: @BButlerNWW
Blog: https://www.networkworld.com/author/Brandon-Butler/

Brandon’s cloud blog focuses on the advancements of the major players within the industry, tracks end user deployments and recognises the best new start-ups. Brandon’s background is as a business writer and therefore he writes gripping and easily read articles around cloud business news. His personal Cloud Chronicles blog is also a must read and many of his articles from there feature on Network World.

Must read: https://www.networkworld.com/article/3224893/internet-of-things/what-is-edge-computing-and-how-it-s-changing-the-network.html

9] Reddit – Cloud

reddit
Blog: https://www.reddit.com/r/Cloud/
and https://www.reddit.com/r/cloudcomputing/

We had to include Reddit in our list because of the sheer volume of insightful posts aimed at an array of different reader types. Here, you could read anything from a step by step ‘how to’ guide – to a comparison of Public and Private Cloud. Reddit’s general concept is creating a community who have the knowledge to share or want to learn about a particular topic and the cloud community here, do not disappoint. +1 to the Reddit community!

Must read: Whatever you like!

10] Rick’s Cloud – Rick Blaisdell

rick blaisdell
Twitter LogoTwitter: @RickBlaisdell
Blog: https://rickscloud.com/category/cloud-computing/

Rick is a Cloud Computing Expert, experienced CTO and Technical and Business Strategist. His experience of over 20 years helps contribute to this insightful blog. Featuring lots of useful hints, tips and information, Rick’s blog is a must stop destination to any business looking to migrate to or utilise the cloud more effectively. This blog is definitely targeted at an everyday user and the writing is easy to understand and not over complicated – perfect for any newbie to the industry!

Must read: https://rickscloud.com/the-benefits-of-going-hybrid/

11] The Cloud Cast - Aaron Delp & Brian Gracely

aaron delp
Twitter Logo

Twitter: @aarondelp

 

brian gracely
Twitter Logo

Twitter: @bgracely
Blog: http://www.thecloudcast.net/

There is nothing like a podcast on the daily commute and the Cloud Cast will be a fantastic addition to this. It is packed full of exciting podcasts, featuring an array of industry leaders as guest speakers and many different cloud topics. Aaron and Brian talk about current and insightful topics and the podcasts are available on most major podcast players including iTunes and Google Play.

Must read: http://www.thecloudcast.net/2017/08/the-cloudcast-306-paas-adoption-from.html

12] Cloud Tweaks

cloud tweaks
Twitter LogoTwitter: @cloudtweaks
Blog: https://cloudtweaks.com/cloud-computing/

Cloud Tweaks is a great platform in which many leading cloud influencers like, John Pientka @johnmpientka, Daren Glenister @DarenGlenister, Kayla Matthews @KaylaEMatthews and Mark Casey @markacasey unite to share and voice their experience and expertise. Cloud Tweaks blogs beyond cloud computing and also cover many of the industry’s most interesting topics such as AI, IoT, InfoSec and Big Data. Cloud Tweaks is a great destination for all things cloud and includes details of upcoming events, tech training and reports.

Must read: https://cloudtweaks.com/2017/11/amsterdam-bank-wants-hack/

13] Forrester - Paul Miller

paul miller
Twitter LogoTwitter: @PaulMiller
Blog: https://go.forrester.com/blogs/author/paul_miller/

Paul Miller is a Senior Analyst on the CIO team for Forrester Research and has in-depth knowledge of the industrial internet of things and cloud computing. His research considers the way that both IoT and Cloud computing create opportunities for organisations. It is his knowledge and experience that makes his blog a perfect destination for any organisation looking to utilise new technologies for growth, creating opportunities and securing customers.

Must read: https://go.forrester.com/blogs/

14] Microsoft Azure Blog

azure
Twitter LogoTwitter: @Azure
Blog: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/

The Microsoft Azure blog, unsurprisingly, provides the latest azure updates and news. It includes lots of useful hints and tips, which is especially helpful if you are using azure’s platforms. The blog also includes industry news. Naturally, as Microsoft’s capabilities grow, the blog grows with it and it now covers a range of topics from Blockchain to Data Science, all with the common thread of Azure.

Must read: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/enterprise-smart-contracts-resolving-the-truth-for-blockchains/

15] Cloud Cruiser

cloud cruiser


Twitter LogoTwitter
: @CloudCruiserInc

Cloud Cruiser is a cloud-based financial management company based in the U.S. The company's software manages the finances of cloud computing and traditional IT environments. Cloud Cruiser consumption analytics technology became HPE Consumption Analytics in 2018, bringing a new look and new capabilities for Cloud Cruiser 16 customers.

Must read: https://www.hpe.com/us/en/insights/articles/the-essential-smb-guide-for-technology-financing-2005.html

16] Google Cloud Platform Blog

google cloud
Twitter LogoTwitter: @googlecloud
Blog: https://cloudplatform.googleblog.com/

Much like Azure’s blog, The Cloud Platform Blog is the perfect destination for anyone consuming Google’s cloud services or utilising their platform. They say that their goal is ‘Helping developers build what’s next with visionary cloud tools and infrastructure, applications, maps and devices’. The blog is interactive and includes plenty of case studies, helping to cement what you can learn from this blog.

Must read: https://cloudplatform.googleblog.com/2017/10/API-design-choosing-between-names-and-identifiers-in-URLs.html

17] IBM – Thoughts on Cloud

ibm cloud
Twitter LogoTwitter: @IBMcloud
Blog: https://www.ibm.com/blogs/cloud-computing/

Open the page and you will see ‘Insights, news and analysis for the cloud community’ This is exactly what this blog brings. All the usual suspects, such as Big Data and IoT can be found here but they are presented in an interesting way, these topics act as categories for in-depth blog posts rather than generalised information. For interesting reads and of course IBM updates, this blog is a great destination.

Must read: https://www.ibm.com/blogs/cloud-computing/2017/11/apps-messaging-apis-three-pillars-integration/

18] The Cloud infographic

cloud infographicTwitter LogoTwitter: @cloudgraphic
Blog: http://www.thecloudinfographic.com/

The Cloud Infographic Mission Statement is to provide ways for the general public to better understand cloud computing and the issues surrounding it via the use of infographics and that is exactly what it does. The blog is definitely a cloud blog for beginners and covers a wide range of topics, from IoT to using cloud in business. The Blog is a great place to start if you want to learn about using cloud to benefit your business or brush up on your knowledge of a particular topic. Give them a follow on Twitter @cloudgraphic for all the latest infographics.

Must read: http://www.thecloudinfographic.com/2015/03/06/is-paas-the-right-cloud-service-model-for-your-business.html

19] Briefings Direct - Dana Gardner

dana gardner
Twitter LogoTwitter: @Dana_Gardner
Blog: http://www.briefingsdirectblog.com/

Briefings Direct is great space for “Analysis and Insights for Enterprise IT and Cloud Sourcing Strategists.” With a blog, podcasts and Transcripts, Dana’s knowledge and expertise is available for you at your disposal. Dana is a creative thought leader on software-defined hybrid cloud, IoT, big data and digital transformation. It is this creative thought that shapes his page and allows for some interesting reading.

Must read: http://briefingsdirect.com/

20] Cloud Matters – Ian Moyse

ian moyse
Twitter LogoTwitter: @imoyse
Blog: https://cloudmatters.cloud/

Cloud Matter does what it says on the tin; discusses all ‘cloudy matters’, To use his own words. This includes, but is not exclusive to; SaaS, PaaS, Iaas, IoT and GDPR. Ian is the Cloud Sales Director at Natterbox and is an industry thought leader. His insight into the cloud is both educational and reflective and each one proves to be a great read ... his website homepage is pretty natty too!

Must read: https://cloudmatters.cloud/2017/11/03/the-fone-the-furious/

21] On Digital Strategy - Dion Hinchcliffe

dion-hinchcliffe
Twitter LogoTwitter: @dhinchcliffe
Blog: https://dionhinchcliffe.com/

Dion is currently VP and Senior Analyst at Constellation Research as well as Chief Strategy Officer at online community strategy and design firm, 7Summits. His experience combines with his depth of knowledge, particularly in the topics of enterprise IT, digital transformation, digital workplace, social collaboration, customer experience, API strategy, Enterprise 2.0, to create an informative blog, specifically for those with a keen interest in digital strategy and enterprise IT

Must read: https://dionhinchcliffe.com/2017/03/02/what-we-know-about-making-enterprise-social-networks-successful-today/

22] Avoa - Tim Crawford

tim crawford
Twitter LogoTwitter: @tcrawford
Blog: https://avoa.com/about/

It should be no surprise that someone who is ranked as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Chief Information Technology Officers (#4), Top 100 Most Social CIOs (#7), Top 20 People Most Retweeted by IT Leaders (#5) and Top 100 Cloud Experts and Influencers, would have something interesting to say. The blog itself represents and network of CIOs that understand the challenges discussed first hand. The focus of the blog is to assist organizations moving from traditional IT to transformational IT.

Must read: https://avoa.com/2017/11/14/3-ways-enterprises-can-reduce-their-cybersecurity-risk-profile/

23] IBM – Angel Luis Diaz

angel luis diaz
Twitter Logo

Twitter: @angelluisdiaz
Blog: https://www.ibm.com/blogs/cloud-computing/author/adiaz/

IBM makes our list for the second time but this time with the writer Angel Luis Diaz. Angel is the VP Developer Technology & Advocacy for IBM and is described as the father of the “A” team, Dr. Dre of open tech, avid football & Judo fan and video gamer. His blog page shares IBM’s easy to use functionality but shifts the focus from a general cloud overview to the in depth sharing of knowledge from a highly technical and well-regarded developer.

Must read: https://www.ibm.com/blogs/cloud-computing/2015/12/swift-org-a-boon-for-developers/

24] SiliconANGLE – Mark Albertson

Mark Albertson
Twitter LogoTwitter: @techagony
Blog: https://siliconangle.com/blog/author/markalbertson/

This blog is split into the following main categories; Cloud, Big Data, Apps, Emerging Tech and Infrastructure. Whilst it is the cloud category, and particularly the writings on Mark Albertson that have caught our eye, the rest of the blog is also well worth a read. Mark’s writing includes insights into hot topics and current news as well as commenting on how he envisions trends to develop as technology continues to progress quickly.

Must read: https://siliconangle.com/blog/2017/09/08/the-data-centers-backbone-vmwares-strategy-comes-into-focus-vmworld-guestoftheweek/

25] Data Center Frontier

data center frontier
Twitter Logo
Twitter
: @dcfrontier

rich miller

Twitter Logo

Twitter: @Tech_Journalism
Blog: https://datacenterfrontier.com/category/cloudcomputing/

Rich Miller puts a spin on what could be a mundane cloud or technology blog by sharing real human stories. “He writes about the places where the Internet lives, telling the story of data centres and the people who build them.” The storytelling nature of this blog is what gives it its edge and allows enthusiasts to consume tech news in an interesting and personal way.

Must read: https://datacenterfrontier.com/disruptive-technology-enabling-digital-transformation/

This is a two-part blog post. If your favorite cloud computing influencer didn't appear on this list, don't panic! There's another 25 listed in the next post!


END OF PART-I - CLICK TO START READING PART-II


Top Cloud Computing Blogs PART II

2 Comments

  1. Anonymous on March 13, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    Very Nice article and it is useful for everyone.I have referred a lot of articles about this topic but your blog has a nice content.Thanks for sharing.



    • Daren Cox on July 25, 2018 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks for checking in!