debcook

2008-08-12 20:43:59 

I am no expert on Cloud Computing but I know that I have always felt uncomfortable with the concept. When I want my data I want it right now. When I want my email I want it right now. The necessity of an “always on” Internet connection is fine at home or in the office but what about everywhere else?

There are plenty of opportunities to use Cloud Computing and I have resisted all of them. To better explain what I am talking about I should tell you why I feel this way.

I use QuickBooks for my business and I cannot imagine keeping my files online. Security is one issue and a lack of Internet connection would shut me out of my data is another. Then there is the possibility that the website might be unavailable when I need it.

Much of my business is transacted over email. There is no way that I will take the chance of loosing my email. Today I read that Gmail was down for a couple of hours. To casual users it was an annoyance and to all other users it was stressful. I know the dangers of making assumptions but here goes. There are backup options for Gmail but I am assuming that the email cannot be read directly from that backup. Is there Gmail software that can be managed offline? Is hotmail any different? I use a POP3 account with Outlook 2003 and webmail so I feel covered both online and offline. I want that kind of security guaranteed before I switch to an online only email service.

I’ve mentioned before that I hesitate to purchase and download some Apps from the App Store for my iPhone 3G. I repeat – I do not like having my data, notes, photos and whatever (stuff) stored on someone else’s network. Have you read about Apple’s ability to “pull the lever” to delete apps from the iPhones?

There are numerous good reasons to use cloud computing and I am sure that I will eventually give in to the idea. It would be easier for me to play well with others if there were a combination of software on my device to pair with cloud computing. Give me the opportunity to backup and have access to my stuff whenever I want it offline. If I want to access my stuff online or share my stuff with others I want to have that opportunity as well.

I worry that if the majority of personal computing is done in the Clouds the cost will be way out there as well. Subscription fees go on forever so will using our own data become as costly as most cell phone bills?

My questions just seem to go on and on. Will there eventually be special devices needed to access the cloud? Will there be proprietary file formats that will no longer work with most software installed on computers and cell phones? How many hoops will I have to jump through to access my own stuff? Please tell me that I am over reacting!