Cloud Computing

Now, wait... computers in the clouds? Something to that effect? No, nothing like that. Actually, cloud computing is another coming wave of technology that consumers and businesses alike are being submersed in, either by choice, or nearly by force. A quick rhetorical before I continue:

How many of you have multiple services through one online provider(i.e. - Google)? I know I do. I use the search, I have GMail, I've used the Docs, I check my Reader, etc etc. Now, not but a few years ago, unless I was with a business on the forefront of technologies, I would probably have to use a different program, and possibly a different provider for each of these services.

Now, with the idea of 'cloud computing' very quickly gaining traction, most of us, even on the home-user level, are beginning to use it. I suppose before I go any further... I should explain the basics of cloud computing.

Essentially, cloud computing is the idea that instead of operating under the traditional server/workstation, software, download principle of passing information back and forth, cloud computing effectively keeps EVERYTHING on the server. That is, the information itself, your profile, the programs you'll use to access this information, everything. This presents organizations a brand new way to present you with any of your information, and that is... in full context, wherever on the Earth you might be (as long as you have internet access, of course.)

Don't get me wrong, I think the ideas in place here are phenomenal, and present everyone with brand new, and exciting technologies, my only issue here is personal privacy. Ultimately, every time you sign up for one of these services, you also agree to a Terms of Service agreement, and so forth. The little check box that says you Agree, the Agree button, etc.

I'd be willing to bet that most of us do not take the time to read through these heavy worded contracts (that they were/are, in effect, binding contracts) that we're agreeing to. That's problem #1. Problem #2 is the sheer location of your personal information and data, and that is, not in your control. Someone else is storing it, hosting it for you, making it available to you wherever and however you need to access it. I'm not implying none of these organizations are worth their grains in salt as far as our privacy goes, I just always ask that people think twice before willingly giving their personal information away. Safety first.

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