Cloud Computing

In 2010, the new thing for companies to invest in is cloud computing. Cloud Computing is the use of Internet based development and the use of computer technology. This style of computing that uses IT-related capabilities provided "as a service". This allows users to access technology-enabled services "in the cloud" without knowledge or expertise with the technology infrastructure that supports them.

Big companies like Google, Apple and Verizon have already started to use this technology with their cell phones. Cloud Computing is often compared to grid, utility, and autonomic computing. Through the definitions of all of these cloud computing is a little bit of a combination. Users are basically accessing a network through a service that is software. The iPhone and Verizon's new Droid cell phones take advantage of this new technology as they compete for the cell phone lovers attention.

According to "Open Cloud Computing" a few key characteristics of cloud computing are:

• Scalability which meets changing user demands quickly. Massive scalability and large user bases are common but not an absolute requirement.
  
• Reliability by way of multiple redundant sites, which makes it suitable for disaster recovery
  
• Security which typically improves due to centralization of data, increased security focused resources, etc.

I'm not sure what I feel about cloud computing but I do like the name! :)

Nexus One vs iPhone

I'm sure that nearly everyone has heard of the new phone released by Google called Nexus One, as lately it seems to be taking up quite a bit of space in the news. Phone technology seems to be developing at the pace that computers were in the mid 1990's. Every time you buy something, within about 6 months to a year, something faster with more capacity and more capabilities is hitting the shelves. With this fast developing technology it is hard to decide whether you should buy the new technology as it comes out or wait for the next generation to emerge. I for one have learned my lesson about getting the new technology as soon as it hits the shelves. I found this out when I purchased the iPhone.

When the iPhone was released back in June of 2007 (Wikipedia) I was quick to purchase it in July of that year, and to be honest, my life has never been the same. However, with that being said, the most important lesson that I learned from that purchase is that had I waited about 2 more months, I could have saved $200 after Apple's price reduction. That is a tough lesson to learn for a Student. While Apple was kind enough to provide early adopters with a $100 store credit, I personally would have been ok with waiting the 2 extra months and saving the full $200. With all that being said, I'm curious to see what the next couple months have in store for the Nexus One.

The Nexus One is carrying a hefty price tag with it. It currently cost $529 to buy the phone unlocked and $179 to purchase it with a T Mobile 2 year contract. (Google/NexusOne) While this is very similar to Apples original price of $499 for the iPhone, Apple actually required a 2 year contract with AT&T (a terrible service provider in my opinion) in order to get that price. Time will tell if the original price of the phone will come down, but I know from experience that I will wait at least 6 months or so before I begin to evaluate whether or not I will make the switch.

With that being said I'm also curious to get some feedback on what people think about the features of the Nexus One versus the iPhone. While both phones have similar features such as GPS, camera, etc, The iPhone has a many more applications (100,000 vs 20,000). While I'm sure that more will come to the Android OS soon but for the time being that is a large difference. So in short, please let me know your thought on both jumping on new technology vs. waiting, as well as the biggest differences between the capabilities/availability of each phone.

Microsoft's New Hope

Microsoft is trying to do way with the keyboard, mouse and all other input devices used on electronics. Their new Natal technology will work by using human body and voice to input information into the desired electronic device. This technology can be used on more than just your home computer. It can be used in a wide range of everyday electronics. This could revolutionize they way we all use technology and change Microsoft’s image.

When people think of Microsoft right now, Windows and PC are what come to mind and all the problems that go with them. Apple is thought as the cool and cutting edge technology leader. Microsoft has had a really bad five years with the mediocre release of Vista and Microsoft’s launch of their version of an iPod, the Zoom, Microsoft needs something to boost them back to the cutting edge.

Natal maybe the technology that does just that and like Windows changes the way we use electronics. As a person who grew up with keyboards, the mouse, and joysticks, I have a hard time getting use to touch less electronics. I do not feel comfortable yet with the idea of not having an input device. For me it really just depends on how good Natal is going to work. If it winds up being another Vista, Microsoft is going to have a huge problem they may not be able to come back from. Bill Gates has often said that “Microsoft is always two years away from failure.” So we will wait and see if this is a victory for Microsoft or a failure. Only time will tell.