Cloud computing is one of the hottest trend in technology and with the rise of the netbooks and the announcement of Google Chrome OS, it is slowly going mainstream. We will definitely hear much more about cloud computing as it becomes more advanced and available to more people, but here is an overview of what it exactly is and will be.
But what is cloud computing?
- Store files online, access them from everywhere
Instead of storing all your files on a personal computer at home, cloud computing allows you to store these files remotely online, on a server owned by a company like Google. And these files can be accessed from anywhere, at any time on any device you own. Think of Microsoft Outlook vs Google Mail.
- All software online, no need to buy or install
It is not just about the storage. In cloud computing software for word processing, picture editing and more are all available online, so there is no need to buy the product and install it on your computer. It is just there and it works. Think of Microsoft Office vs Google Docs.
- Minimal user interface
The user interface in cloud computing is minimal and it stays out of your way. Most of the user experience takes place on the web. Your data mostly resides on the network, not on your personal computer. You just connect to network services for storage of personal files and for software to run.
- Nothing to backup
Your data is accessible wherever you are and as majority of your data and software you use is located online, you have nothing to back up and nothing to migrate when you buy a new computer. You have nothing to take with you and you have the same user experience from any computer in the world. Just log in from a different machine and there’s all your stuff.
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This is really not new as it was tried and failed in the 90’s.
Why does everyone think it will work this go around? What about the cost of storage and its probable someone will go under and take everyones files with them. Corporations aren’t going to support it as businesses can’t really risk their data on cloud systems.
open source anything seems like a real good idea of which I am a supporter but I see chrome o/s to late to the party as Linux seems to be strong and well worth the effort. Also personal storage seems cheap even if you download some occassionly to a flash drive or personal hard drive with no subscription cost just the products which have a payback period.
Interesting post and definitely fuel for the mind.