Microsoft To Offer 'Cloud Computing'

Yesterday Microsoft released a free trial version of new software called Azure. In the past Microsoft has releases operating systems for PC’s and mobile devices, but now it has released the first operating system for the Internet. This software is Microsoft’s new “cloud computing” infrastructure.  Basically it allows clients to utilize Microsoft’s data centers so they will not have to worry about expanding their own if the business expands. All of the data can be transferred from anywhere is the world over the Internet. This “could computing” is a newer technology that is booming. Apple, Amazon, and Google have already started to do something similar. Apple has directed theirs towards the individual while Microsoft’s is more for directed at businesses. This technology is especially important for businesses because it gives them an unlimited amount of room to expand.

“Spending on software delivered over the Internet, known as cloud computing, may almost triple to $42 billion by 2012, according to Framingham, Mass., research firm IDC.” This fact shows how this technology will be even further advancing in the next decade. Soon everything we own will be linked together. Our cell phones, computers, televisions, and even cars will all be networked together. Having all of these devices connected to the Internet will allow us to access any information and time. However, this means that new security will be needed to protect information stored in this cloud. Hackers could be able to access all of your personal information just by hacking into your car.

“Amazon and -- to a lesser degree, Salesforce.com -- have already gotten their models going. There's a real risk they might completely bypass Microsoft.” It was inevitable for Microsoft to introduce their version of this technology. Apple releases their version, MobileMe, this passed summer with the new iPhone 3G. Microsoft is currently having developers try out the new system and offer feedback. This new operating system will completely change the business world. Microsoft is know for its reliable server operating systems so individuals can only expect good things from this new system. I feel as though it will combine their server operating system with Windows Vista, PC operating system. Microsoft is behind with this technology and needs to introduce a new better way for businesses to take advantage of this idea.  

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/27/AR2008102702779.html