Federal 100: Chris Kemp

Kemp created the NASA Nebula cloud computing platform, an innovative pilot project that allows researchers to set up computing storage and virtual machines in an accessible and affordable pay-as-you-go environment.

Kemp’s decision to use open-source software for the project enables researchers to run data on public clouds while keeping NASA’s internal networks secure. He also fostered cutting-edge technologies by partnering with Microsoft Research to develop the WorldWide Telescope and Google to customize applications, such as Google Earth.

Nebula could serve as a model for creating data center environments in mission-critical infrastructures, said Bruce Klein, senior vice president of Cisco Systems’ U.S. Public Sector division. “Kemp is an entrepreneurial executive with a passion for igniting innovation in high-tech organizations,” Klein said.

Read more about the 2010 Federal 100 award winners.