Cloud Computing: When Computers Really Do Rule

Cloud computing has picked a bad time to get popular.

With ISP's starting to consider a metered bandwidth pricing structure, cloud computing is not feasible at the moment--or into the foreseeable future.

Until there is ubiquitous fiber, cloud computing will be limited to scattered showers and maybe the occasional thunderstorm.

My ISP has three tiers. The bottom two are metered, and the top is unlimited. (Guess which one I have?)

Metering may be around the corner, but I don't see how unmetered internet usage could go away completely.

gus3

It's the fact that metered bandwidth exists at all that is the problem. Cloud computing will never get off of the ground unless all ISPs agree to unlimited bandwidth with a flat rate charge scheme.

Otherwise, not too many are going to jump on the cloud computing bandwagon.

Cloud computing? No thanks. I want control over my data on my machine.

thenixedreport

I like control myself, but the way everyone is talking, the cloud computing model is the future with no way of stopping it. And I've been saying all along that if cloud computing becomes the norm then the computer as we know it is dead, since you would have no control over the cloud server environment and no longer would need to control your own system.

Before people sing the praises of this new computing model they need to consider the ramifications of migrating to it.

All of the local control and system administration freedom you now enjoy will go the way of history...and then what?

People die.

Just think. A hospital has all its data in "The Cloud". Then their connection to it goes down. Or the servers get a virus. Or the servers get cracked and the data gets corrupted (or purposefully changed). etc.

The problem with cloud computing is that it assumes we can ultimately trust those who would foist it upon us. I don't use gmail or any other browser based email system, for that reason, it assumes that there is adequate bandwidth, it assumes that putting all your eggs in one basket is a really great idea.

A viable cloud computig scenario for me would be on where I can access my own server from anywhere, anytime. At the moment the only way to do that is to carry said server around with me, in the form of a laptop.

@garymax:

Quoting:the way everyone is talking, the cloud computing model is the future with no way of stopping it.

That pretty well sums up the message from the proponents of any "new" technology.

Truth be told, I think there's enough publicity now concerning identity theft and data theft, even Grandpa and Grandma can understand "cloud computing" isn't inherently a good thing.

S o let's see...they keep saying:

"Mobile Computing" is the future.... "Smart Phones" are the future... "Cloud Computing" is the future....

So basically, along with .universal broadband, we need universal and reliable high bandwidth wireless and cell coverage in order for this whole cloud thing to work....

Yeah, that's gonna happen soon....

My encryption and my data are as secure as my password. I am getting nervous already. Passwords are inherently weak.

Cloud computing depends on lots of excess capacity for storage and bandwidth in lots of places. However if it is implemented this excess is likely to disappear quickly. There will no longer be a motivation to maintain excess capacity.

I wouldn't worry too much though. I cannot count the number of times I have been told something is the "way of the future" only to have it disappear in a few years.