IT and Nature: Cloud Computing

When she first started to hear of cloud computing and its definitions (computing is moved to a 'cloud') appeared rather self referential to Gertrude. It amused her in mild amounts. At school, she had often chuckled while learning that sulphuric acid was an ingredient in the manufacture of sulphuric acid.

Cloud computing seemed to make more sense than the manufacture of an irrelevant acid. For a company online Gertrude concluded, that it meant less worrying about an important computer suddenly malfunctioning. Less worry, because their online existence would be sustained by the combined effort of a vast number of computers. So, it would be as easy as opening up a tap to full-volume if they wanted to pile on more hardware for storage or processing power. This would be on a need-basis as the website yo-yo-ed between unknown and popular. And for the company, it would be pay-by-meter for how much they kept the tap open.

So, actually, a cloud had to be something tangible (someone had to know where it was or own it, right?) like servers and so on. Stacked in some place (may be, called a cloud) for consumers to subscribe to it. The subscribers didn't have to worry about not getting connected if there was heavy traffic to the site. They didn't even have to install anything to be able to access the software they wanted. Like installing Flash to watch movies or play games. If they had an internet connection, all their data and information processing would happen wherever they were.

For some people, Gertrude found eventually, the concept of cloud computing was dé ja vu. And some even said it was to reduce the IT industry's carbon foot print. All very very incredible.

Do I know of applications that use Cloud computing, Gertrude wondered. Facebook, Youtube and Google documents seemed compelling examples. And Sliderocket, an online slide creation tool, which you-know-who would love.

She wanted to find out if there was also the possibility of collaborative multi-platform visualisation tools such dabbledb being on a cloud?


Gertrude suddenly wondered if the cloud meant something to her personally. If Gertrude didn't have to to teach her mum over phone how to install Skype or Picasa and then find it in Program Files it would be much relief! But again, her mum wouldn't approve of storing personal finances with Google. Surely not! Some people had thought of these things already and said it was a trap!

Gertrude remembered her last flight which had been quite bumpy and not very reassuring. A lovely co-passenger had offered her company and conversation and asked her to imagine a fluffy white cloud, where every security she wanted was inside the cloud. She did. It worked. As soon as the flight ended, Gertrude had let go of the cloud.