Cloud Computing

I’m new to this blogging and not the best writer - anyway I thought I would give it a go.

Cloud computing – I have put much thought towards cloud computing as my background is in IT support. I wondered how cloud computing would affect my current situation, I was concerned if I would become a loose part and no longer needed in the near future. I wondered if only a select special few would be kept on to support a much larger, cleverer cloud based system??. But down to it, I do really think cloud computing is out sourcing rebranded, with new software tools.

I can see the lour with some of the systems Google and Microsoft are starting to offer, and see small / medium size businesses dazzled by the improved reliability, cost saving and better remote access to their vital files and services. I myself  would not be sure about losing control of key infrastructure components, and becoming a slave to their pricing model , compatibility and rigidness as their cloud systems evolves.

From a home user point of view, I can’t see the normal user going completely cloud. People like to store stuff yes, and they do like the ability to access this data anywhere especially if it’s free. But the cloud doesn’t seem to offer the standardisation, speed, flexibly and security we have experienced with a Windows computer.

I think Apple seem to be on the correct course with integration in to their OS. Mild seamless integration that does give the user control on how the cloud is used. I do see companies like Drop Box becoming very threatened as major players like Apple and Microsoft begin to offer this integration.

But in the end, I think the cloud computing model will just be an additional feature to what we know as personal computing.

Question: If we all did go cloud who would pay for research and development of our pc hardware, We owe the fact we can buy terabyte hard drives and large flash drives to research paid for by buying these storage devices. If we no longer needed to buy them who would pay for the research?


by Mat White