This document discusses challenges and opportunities for scalable data management in cloud computing environments. It describes how cloud computing brings novel challenges for data management systems due to large data volumes, variety of data types, rapid data changes, and large numbers of users. The document outlines characteristics needed for cloud database systems, such as scalability, elasticity, and fault tolerance. It also discusses approaches taken by companies like Google, Yahoo, and Amazon to build scalable data platforms and the need for database services tailored to cloud platforms and large multi-tenant applications.