Women of the Cloud

I have been invited to attend a discussion about this subject. Discuss!

I am due to fly out to Miami next week to attend Ingram Micro's global Cloud Summit.

This is a first for me and I am looking forward to seeing the event in action.

But one of the sessions I've been invited to is entitled: "Women of the Cloud".

It is intended to discuss the topics most affecting women where the cloud is concerned - what are the opportunities, what are the issues most concerning them, how does the industry attract more women to the cloud.....that sort of thing.

But I have to be honest. Whenever I see anything like this talking about 'Women in IT' or that sort of thing, it makes my heart sink.

Why do women need to be singled out where the cloud is concerned? Can we do something that men cannot?

Will there soon be a discussion about 'Men in the Cloud'?

I've been thinking of writing this blog since the invite was sent out - but have ummed and ahhed for too long!

Also 'Women of the Cloud' sounds like a whole new breed of females that actually comes from the cloud - I'm thinking Dr Who or some Sci-Fi film.

Every six months or so I receive press releases about women in IT or something similar and the subject does actually intrigue me.

Am I insulting the 'sisterhood' by being so scathing? Or do most women working in our industry feel the same?

There is a definite camaraderie between women in this industry because there are so many men, but do they feel the need to be singled out in this way?

I'm genuinely interested in hearing what people say at this event next week, and be assured I will report back with my honest feedback as well.

Any thoughts, please do let me know.