Recently Microsoft have been talking about how Windows 8 will offer the opportunity of bringing the personal cloud to billions of users. Interestingly, Microsoft have listed three distinct categories of how people use cloud computing for personal use.
- File Clouds
- Device Clouds
- Application Clouds
File Clouds provide cloud based traditional file storage that give users access from anywhere and examples include Microsoft’s own SkyDrive as well as services such as DropBox.
Device Clouds allow content to be purchased and shared across multiple devices in a transparent way. These devices maybe TV’s, mobile devices and work without the users having to be concerned where the content is stored. The most obvious example of this is Apple’s iCloud.
Application Clouds Hosted in the cloud, these applications allow anywhere access as well as improved document sharing and collaboration. No client software installation and a pay per use model means that these applications are attractive to individuals. Examples include Google Apps, Office365 as well as services such as Spotify.
It will be really interesting given their comments to see how Microsoft incorporate the personal cloud into Windows 8. At the moment, when using Windows, choosing cloud services is a very definite decision the user makes. With Windows 8 cloud access could be made a totally transparent. When a file is saved, where is it actually stored – locally or in the cloud ? If a photo is taken by a Windows powered phone, will it automatically be available to that users Windows 8 desktop or mobile computer ? Windows 8 has the potential to become the operating system that, leveraging cloud computing, can make access to our data seamless. The security of the data can be improved and the opportunities for collaboration significantly removed. I look forward to to the release.
What I´m not really sure about is the security issue. In which ways would cloud computing make it safer than having all your data stored in a physical place (i.e. your hard disk). I´m thinking mostly of work-related data and such…
Mike,
Your data is safer for many reasons – if you lost your laptop, what happens when you change laptops to data on the old laptop, How do you share data – make copies maybe ? As an example, think of your doctor, would you be happy with them carrying your medical records around on a laptop or logging into a secure remote server to access the records when required ?
Hope that helps
Chris
is windows 8 is fully based on cloud computing
Vinoth,
Thanks you for your question. I am not sure what you mean by fully – but Windows 8 will seamlessly integrate with the cloud – if thats what you wish – or can work/operate as a traditional operating system if thats what you prefer.
Chris
I’m sure having your data on a remote server is great until it
A.Crashes
B.Is sold to a marketing firm
C.Is taken out by an earthquake, terrorist attack or other physical disaster
Surley the person who owns the physical data storage device then owns the data on it?
Chris when i’m finished with my laptops i find a couple of hours in a bucket of water normally sorts out my security issues.
I won’t call myself a naysayer, but I think James presented a valid point. If I have my data stored on my own hard drive, I have control of who has access to it. You may present the argument of hackers or theft; it happens. But with cloud computing, how do we know our documents, photos, or personal information is any more secure? I think sensitive data,or any data, could potentially be broadcast to a global audience. Goodbye privacy. Orwell should have included cloud computing in his book 1984.