Software SIG: A Journey into Cloud Computing�An Agency�s Experience  

The National Weather Service (NWS) has played a key role in protecting American Lives and properties for over a century. The timely provision of reliable weather, water, climate, and environmental information has supported the Nation�s social and economic development. Over the next ten years, weather, water, climate, and environmental information will play a greater role in the significant decisions we make as individuals and as a society � from the quality and quantity of water we need and the air we breathe, to the generation and distribution of renewable energy, the safe passage of country�s highways, seas, and airways � making life safer, healthier, and more productive.  NWS relies heavily on technology to model weather, process observation data, and use decision support systems to provide forecasts, warnings, and predictions. NWS is going through a transition and started to leverage its data to make better predictions. This talk will focus on the role of Cloud computing on the NWS quest to provide impact-based weather prediction.