Introduction to the IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing

The inaugural Editor-in-Cheif (EiC) shares some of the open opportunities and challenges in cloud computing and then introduces the transactions and its progress. Since its launch early this year, IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing (TCC) has been accepting submission of papers that introduce original and innovative ideas. That means submission of "extended versions" of already published works (e.g., conference/workshop papers) is not encouraged unless they contain significant number of "new and original" ideas/contributions along with more than 49% "brand new" material. TCC has been attracting submissions from academic researchers, industrial practitioners, policy and standards developers, and application communities from all over the world. During the last five months, we have received more than 150 submissions. In addition, four special issues have been scheduled to focus on specific challenges in cloud computing. They are also encouraging submission of revised versions of papers that are recognized as best papers from associated conferences. Along with EB members, I have been managing the content of the transactions and the rigorous peer review process to ensure publication of original and high-quality papers. Based on the quality, focus, and scope of each submitted paper, it either gets assigned to a suitable Associate Editor or desk rejected with suitable suggestions. Each paper that advances to the full review phase is assigned to an appropriate Associate Editor, who seeks three or more review reports from peers and experts in the field and makes an appropriate recommendation. The EiC has been able to make the final decision on each paper based on peer review reports and the recommendation of AE. The IEEE Computer Society is managing the manuscripts workflow from their initial submission to the final publication. The papers accepted for the first issue of TCC cover hot topics in Cloud computing ranging from Cloud security to energy-efficient resource provis- oning.