Windows Azure: The Cloud Is Inevitable

[Lee]

The 'Cloud" is nearer than some of us may think it is. It seems that Microsoft and Google are going to be pushing this style of computing onto the public.

Here is an article that is worth reading if you are thinking about joining a "Cloud Computing" network.

I think that those who have been members here on the Sevens, know my thoughts on "Cloud Computing." It is just not my thing; putting something of mine (music, pictures, documents, etc) on someone else network just isn't going to happen. Albeit, it seems that there are those (Microsoft, Google, Apple, etc.) who feel this is truly the way of the future.

Here is some more interesting stuff on Microsoft on the Cloud.

How do you here on the Sevens feel.

 

[Dinesh]

Here's an article that explains what is "Cloud" computing.
What is Cloud Computing and What Does This Stupid Buzzword Mean? - How-To Geek

 

[Fayla]

The first link gives me an 404 error.

I agree with you too. My data is my data, it's not theirs-- Who knows who could be looking at it? Or could ask to look at it? (FBI, etc.)

Besides, the Internet is far from secure. With various traffic snooping going on and patchy encryption methods available, the picture isn't too nice looking. Plus having your data stored in a cloud OS would be one hell of a 'honey pot' for hackers to target and they would certainly target it.

It is just not my thing; putting something of mine (music, pictures, documents, etc) on someone else network just isn't going to happen.

 

[Layback Bear]

If your cloud gets infected how does the cloud get uninfected. Who and how does the infection get removed? How does one secure the clouds. We all have selected the protection we want on our computers. How does one select what protection is use in a cloud? Security is my concern.

 

[DMHolt57]

I really feel that this is how M$ wants to control their operating system in the future. With an annual fee of course, your Windows operating system will reside in the cloud, and update itself automatically...:sarc:

 

[Lee]

The link to Softpedia as been repaired for those who want to read the article.

 

[Lee]

I really feel that this is how M$ wants to control their operating system in the future. With an annual fee of course, your Windows operating system will reside in the cloud, and update itself automatically...:sarc:

It isn't just Microsoft that is getting into Cloud Computing. You need to read the article to see just what is happening and who is getting involved. This is the way companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple along with a cast of others are looking to go. So to specially say this is how Microsoft is trying to control the OS by moving to the Cloud is not reading and looking into what is going on in the world of computing.

Do a Google/Bing search for any one company such as say Apple, and you will see their stance on Cloud Computing. Almost all big tech companies are placing their bets on the Cloud. They see this as the wave of the future. So your statement is a little lame to say the least.

 

[mr pc]

I posted this in another thread concerning cloud computing

Absolute Cloud Computing should be a choice not a standard. The reason why I say Absolute is because cloud computing does exist in many ways: torrents, p2p, ftp, file storage sites, software updates, home/business networking, remote desktop operations, gaming and I'm sure I'm missing some others. So it is here and many of us use some or many elements of it.

There is one stipulation to the current mode of handling our data - we choose what and what not we want to share, access, store, place out into the internet. I have no complaints about placing photos on the internet to share with friends and family, but do not want to place important financial documents out there.

We also know that the evolution of Cloud computing would be remote desktop operations - what would happen if the server went down? How many users would be affected simultaneously?!? Rather than just my computer going down because of my own stupidity - it would be left in the hands of individuals and technology I know very little of.

Absolute Cloud Computing would also open the floodgates for data miners as well, not to mention the questionable locations your information is stored.

This also raises the questions of bandwidth availability and cost - This would definitely create user tiers in the internet and prices would undoubtedly jump due to increased demand.

maybe I'm off the mark, but it feels like a racket and an opportunity to endanger user privacy.

How will ISP's help support this? Infrastructure would have to be there before this is implemented. Could this be somehow connected to Television OS improvement? Are they by any chance predicting or planning for television computing? You pay for the "Cable" tier you want which would include access to certain apps, storage, speed? What about having your choice of OS? Would there be an access OS to the Cloud OS? How about Cross-OS applications? How about redundancy in case of system/transmission failure? If a point of access is compromised who will be held responsible?

Will this diminish competition and diversity and create a homogenized computing environment?

 

[Ryan2320]

I think personally this is a good thing, why? With the "cloud" I am able to access my files, folders, and my OS (maybe) from any device! I already can access that power point from online and view it in the browser. (Office Web Apps) I can already store files online (Windows Skydrive) These applications are already here, it is just a matter of time of when they will combine this into one application.

And like Lee said, it is not just Microsoft, Google is another big company pushing for the cloud (Chrome OS) and Google Docs have already made a big ripple in the cloud
industry...it will only get more interesting from here!

Ryan

 

[James Colbert]

I vote no (as if that matters...). Security & privacy seem to be insurmountable issues in this scenario, and I would think the liability factor for those 'running' the cloud would be high. Security compromised, identity stolen, bilked of funds? Who else should be held liable but those in charge of the given Cloud? But apparently, liability is not enough to deter.

James

 

[mr pc]

Somehow people will be convinced that it is their responsibility that they are using the cloud - superficial and costly security protocols will be offered for individuals and businesses. Those who can afford the absolute best will be free from all those pesky invasions, but if you can't really afford it - well take your chances.

How about this - just like the beginning days of the internet - timed access or having multiple ads pop up throughout your usage in exchange for access. People might use computers in places that don't have internet access.

We all have computers, use the internet, store data privately and publicly, interact in many forms - but yet we all do so very differently. How personalized could your computing be? What affects on hardware and software standards and requirements would this have?

I can see how people who are deeply embedded with mobile devices and social networking would find this a great idea.

 

[James Colbert]

superficial and costly security protocols will be offered for individuals and businesses. Those who can afford the absolute best will be free from all those pesky invasions, but if you can't really afford it - well take your chances.

I doubt that would fly in legal terms...after all, the internet would then only be for the elite few, denied to the masses (assuming that The Cloud. became mainstream and all pervasive...)

James

 

[mr pc]

Just thinking of profits - These companies wouldn't let this go without making more $$$ - noooo way.

Where is the financial gain? Data centers could easily have silver, gold, platinum access and with that - added security, application access, and speed.

Look at OS's, Cable, and Phone companies now.....sorta the same thing eh?

Cable companies that provide internet have been deliberating a tiered internet for some time now, with cloud computing this could become much more a reality.

 

[Lee]

When we think of the Cloud in the computing world we have to remember that this is not really aimed at the home user. The huge corporation along with all business in general are the main factor in Cloud Computing. The main players (Google, Zoho, Apple, Microsoft, etc.) are courting the big boys and girls out there. They want the businesses of Ford, GM, ADM, and others. These are the targets not the home user or everyday geek. The Cloud companies are looking toward the IT people to help them bring the Cloud to their employers.

As to security and other situations of this nature; this is being addressed at all levels, and as to what they have come up is yet unknown (at least from what I have been able to find on the subject to date).

It is going to be interesting to watch what will happen over the next five years in the world of computing. Will there be the move to the Cloud as these large OS companies are hoping for? Time.

 

[lehnerus2000]

All Software Companies Love The "Cloud"

I really feel that this is how M$ wants to control their operating system in the future. With an annual fee of course, your Windows operating system will reside in the cloud, and update itself automatically...:sarc:

It isn't just Microsoft that is getting into Cloud Computing. You need to read the article to see just what is happening and who is getting involved. This is the way companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple along with a cast of others are looking to go. So to specially say this is how Microsoft is trying to control the OS by moving to the Cloud is not reading and looking into what is going on in the world of computing.

Do a Google/Bing search for any one company such as say Apple, and you will see their stance on Cloud Computing. Almost all big tech companies are placing their bets on the Cloud. They see this as the wave of the future. So your statement is a little lame to say the least.

All software companies (especially game companies) want everything moved to the "Cloud".
That way they can truly enforce their, "you don't own that product you bought" EULAs.

Game companies have been complaining that people have been selling their old games and they aren't getting any money!

The "Cloud" must be opposed!

It's only real features are:
It boosts corporate profits
It returns power to "those who truly deserve it" (I.e. corporations and governments).

For example, if your OS is in the"Cloud", the provider could have it automatically block "objectionable" content, all for your own safety of course.
Apple, Google, MS, et al, all have their own ideas of what constitutes "objectionable" material.
Competitor's products and services, perhaps?.

 

[Nigsy]

What a revenue stream for advertisers!!
I can see it like this:
Gold access to the MS cloud would give you full protection, 500gb online storage, all apps and no adverts, all the way down to free ( Or MS Cloud Basic!) that would basically give you an OS, restricted apps and maybe 20 gb of online storage. oh and as many targeted adverts as they can send you!!

I'm also worried about who would be able to access your information - we have already seen a case in the UK where a team of solicitors have mangaged to get there hands on records from ISP's by getting a court request.

Cloud computing is not really my thing.

 

[James Colbert]

When we think of the Cloud in the computing world we have to remember that this is not really aimed at the home user.

Yet.

 

[MrMegabyte]

Ever since the "Cloud" idea has crept its way up, I truly agree that this cloud idea is going to be a bad idea, I am already paranoid about my data as is, on my own servers blocked by my firewalls ect. I certainly do NOT want it out there. I don't even trust online backup, way too much data. Also, would you install something on your "cloud computer" run games via streaming? Just doesn't make sense.

 

[Lebon14]

The cloud they are talking about is pure (put your negative word of choice here). The best cloud will always be my hard drive.

 

[mr pc]

Besides the end user experience - imagine all the jobs and corporate profits lost when the cloud replaces certain technologies related to storage and beyond.