THE importance of cloud computing to information technology storage as well as other benefits to its users will be among the issues to be discussed when the CloudCamp Cebu 2012 takes place July 4 at the Marriott Hotel in Cebu City.

With Cebu City as the only place in the country identified for the holding of the global event, the 200 participants expected to attend it will have a venue to exchange ideas on how to use cloud computing as a tool in protecting their data at an affordable cost.

Hosted by CloudCamp.org, the CloudCamp Cebu 2012 will also become the venue for the discussion of the types of cloud computing as it can become a service in terms of being an infratructure, a software and a platform.

Partners in holding the event include the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu Education Development Foundation For Information Technology (CEDFIT) and the Junior International Chamber of Mandaue.

The event will gather people familiar with this new technology trend and those who want to know more about it, including companies that have been using the technology in running their businesses, as well as those who intend to tap cloud computing as a service for their businesses.

Aside from the breakout sessions for the discussion of the issues, the daylong event will also be highlighted by the presentation of sponsors as well as socials and networking among the attendees so they can start connecting with those whom they think can provide them with services.

The CloudCamp 2012 in Cebu City is one of the few of such events held outside the US as most of these camps were held in the country with the first being held on March 11 in Austin Texas.

Sponsored by big global technology companies, the CloudCamp, a global event, was conceptualized by those who adopted cloud computing in its infancy so they can have a venue in discussing issues about it. In the camp, participants are provided with the venue for them to about the technologies behind cloud computing.

Organizers of the CloudCamp said it is “an unconference where early adopters of Cloud Computing technologies exchange ideas.”

“With the rapid change occurring in the industry, we need a place we can meet to share our experiences, challenges and solutions,” they added, pointing out that at the event people are encouraged to share their thoughts on issues concerning cloud computing.

Those who have taken advantage of cloud computing have used web browsers or mobile applications in accessing their data which are stored in remote locations, allowing them to do away with bigger services as well making their computer systems run faster because they do not need huge storage facilities.

The concept behind cloud computing is the sharing of resources similar to electricity grid with the Internet serving as its network.

For more information about the event, one can visit cloudcamp.org.

In celebration of the 15th year of the Cebu Business Month (CBM) this June, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Cebu and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Region VII are inviting SMEs, aspiring entrepreneurs, artists, providers of creative goods & services, and technology entrepreneurs to the “1st CEBU CREATIVE INDUSTRIES SUMMIT” on June 21 – 22, 2011 at the City Sports Club Cebu in Cebu Business Park.

The Summit will present valuable insights, updates, and action programs on Creativity and Innovation as drivers of economic development in the Philippines and the world market; strengthen appreciation on the practical value of intellectual property (IP) rights; promote exchange of knowledge, experiences and approaches to creative entrepreneurship and “technopreneurship;” and share best practices on creativity and innovation for business excellence, growth and global competitiveness.

Among the confirmed speakers are Director-General Ricardo Blancaflor of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines; DOST Undersecretary Fortunato de la Peña; celebrity and businesswoman Daphne Oseña-Paez; Henry Schumacher of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP); and Executive Director Rosvi Gaetos of the DTI-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

Also speaking on the first day are Nestor Jardin, President of the Cinemalaya Foundation and Festival Director of the annual Cinemalaya Indie Film Festival; award-winning film and TV director Joel Ruiz from the leading full-service production house, Arkeofilms; and Assistant Dean Robin Serrano of the School of Design & Arts, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

The British Council Philippines has also arranged a web conference on June 21 with UK-based economist and renowned guru of the creative economy, Mr. John Howkins. Widely acknowledged as the father of the creative industry, Mr. Howkins is the author of the groundbreaking book “The Creative Economy” and the recently released “Creative Ecologies: Where Thinking is a Proper Job.”

To present the Cebu perspective, Zen Pastoriza, President of the Creative Cebu Council, will introduce Creative Cebu and the advocacies of the newly formed Council. Miriam Bacalso, Central Visayas Senior Regional Coordinator of the GIZ (German Development Cooperation) – Private Sector Promotion Program, will facilitate discussions on the next steps to be taken in order for stakeholders to effectively develop and sustain the Creative Industries in Cebu.

Other distinguished speakers include DOST Region-7 Director Rene Burt Llanto, Deputy DirectorGeneral Andrew Michael Ong of the Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHL), and experts from the GIZ (German Development Cooperation).

Day 2 of the Summit will feature speakers who will share developments and practices on innovation and technology such as Prof. Pauline Wade of the DOST-UP Cebu Technology Business Incubator; Pete Delantar of Nature’s Legacy Eximport; Francis Dy of Next Mind, Inc.; and eco-house/green house owner, Engr. Nestor Archival of NA Systems, Inc.

The GIZ consultants Vickie Antonio (Green Growth) and Markus Dietrich (renewables – Made in Germany) will discuss programs on sustaining businesses through green innovation and addressing opportunities brought about by climate change.

Participation fee is only Php 600.00 for the 2-day Summit (early bird rate), if paid on or before June 15, 2011. Beyond June 15, registration fee will be Php 800.00. Confirmation of participants is required.

For confirmation/queries, please contact the Summit Secretariat at DTI tel. nos. 253-2631 local 18; 412-1863; fax: 254-0840; 412-1856 (look for Tessie Emphasis or Kim Estalani), or email cebubusinessmonth2011@gmail.com.