This week’s Computer Weekly kicks off our Buyer's Guide to private cloud. It also contains our RSA conference coverage of the latest IT security trends and the future for Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing initiative. And we discuss the role of apprenticeships in encouraging more young people to work in IT. 

Data abstraction overcomes data structure incompatibility by transforming data from its native structure and syntax into reusable views and data services. But some data abstraction approaches work better than others. Composite data virtualization is an optimal way to implement an abstraction layer at enterprise scale. 

This paper  examines the big picture when it comes to Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), and what happens when a data packet traverses an MPLS cloud. 

Overlay transport virtualization (OTV) can help solve many of the challenges in today's increasingly virtualized and geographically dispersed data centers. Access this paper for a high-level overview of this technology and how it differs from the alternatives. 

A new approach to Business Process Management (BPM) is the use of BPM and SOA together in a layering strategy. This white paper explores the BPM layered concept and offers a case study of how ABN AMRO, one of the world's largest financial institutions, has benefited from its deployment. 

This edition of BI Trends & Strategies features a lead article by SearchCIO.com's Linda Tucci, who offers a helping hand in the quest to dismantle the dreaded data silo. The second piece outlines mobile BI, including a reference to Apple's iPad, and the final article delves into the world of performance management. 

Discover the impact desktop virtualization and virtual desktop infrastructure have on your network. 

<p>Businesses need to keep a close eye on the evolution of cloud based services to avoid wasting money and missing out on business opportunities.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> 

<p>This e-guide features editorial articles with insight from IT industry consultants and technology professionals on the importance of data quality as well as advice for ensuring a successful program.</p> 

Gain insight into the value of a new technology, overlay transport virtualization (OTV), in this expert resource. OTV enables network scaling and the moving of components of the data center from one side to the other. 

Master data management (MDM) tools are on the rise as more companies look toward ways to solve all their data needs through one system. This expert e-guide from our editorial team features two articles with exceptional insight on what vendors and trends are prevailing in the current MDM market. 

Philip Dawson, Gartner VP offers best practice advice for organisations looking to virtualise their IT infrastructure.