Cloud computing has been one of the buzzwords on the lips of IT folks for a few years now, but it’s really just been in the past year that the average consumer is aware of the technology. Cloud computing, in the most basic sense, is the running of applications via Internet-based third party providers. The best example of cloud computing is in the area of email, where services like Gmail have been providing service for years.
Over the past year, cloud computing storage providers like Dropbox have popped up, making consumers more aware of the cloud. Apple’s release of iCloud alongside iOS 5 is bringing the cloud to a much wider audience, as well.
So, what does the future hold for cloud computing? There are several likely trends we’ll see in the next few years:
- Cloud solutions beyond email and online storage will reach consumers. While enterprises and larger businesses are already using cloud solutions for many different types of applications, at this point the two areas that have hit the consumer world have been storage and email. Those two areas will doubtlessly grow, but we’ll also see increasing popularity for other applications.
- Smartphones will become consumers’ hubs for cloud applications. The beauty of cloud applications is that they can be run on many different types of devices and from anywhere with an Internet connection. For most users, that means access via smartphones. Users always have smartphones on hand, and smartphones bring Internet capability right along with them.
- Home users will dabble in “thin” clients. The thin client will never take over the home consumer space, largely because the capability to provide intense graphics for gaming and other uses requires beefy hardware. That said, for users who operate primarily in the cloud, low-end “disposable” appliance-type computers will continue to gain ground. The $100 off-the-shelf PC isn’t that far away, and cloud computing will only serve to push the market further in that direction.
- The Freemium model will continue to grow and dominate the cloud. The most widely used cloud application – Gmail – is free to end users. Most consumer cloud applications offer a free basic version, but charge a premium for advanced features or more resources. Freemium and subscription models will continue to duke it out, with most vendors going for a hybrid of the two.
- Cloud computing will add to the Apple/Google feud. Cloud solutions are just fuel on the fire. In some ways, the competition is good for the marketplace. For consumers stuck in the middle, though, it will be frustrating, especially as the major players offer fewer and fewer options for using or connecting to the competitor’s product. Accessing iCloud on an Android, for example, is a non-starter. This may lead to dominance for one or the other, or it may mean opportunity for plenty of third parties who are able to provide truly cross-platform cloud solutions. In the end, that’s probably the best scenario, as cross-platform functionality should be at the heart of any cloud computing solution.
Eric Greenwood is a seasoned writer in technology, specializing in online storage. You can find more of his articles located at OnlineStorage.org.
The Probable Future of Cloud Computing,
Nishadha
Nov 14. 2011
I feel cloud computing is still understood only by the technology crowd. The number of users who are aware of this is growing but it will take some time for this to become mainstream.
Paul Salmon
Nov 14. 2011
While Cloud computing looks good, many people may not have trust in having their data stored somewhere other than on a computer they own. That is understandable, but I’m sure as cloud computer evolves, then things will change.
With the number of mobile devices in use climbing, I can see cloud computer getting used more and more.
TechCrates
Nov 14. 2011
Yep you’re right ….
PrIyAnGsHu
Nov 14. 2011
Great post dude ! The future of cloud computing seems to be very bright .
Eric Greenwood
Nov 16. 2011
Thanks guys, I’m really excited to see what the future has in store. Technology is evolving so quickly it seems that almost anything is possible. I have a feeling Apple will dominate the cloud over Google. Google seems so be spread to thin lately with all their new services that I think people will become jaded by their brand.
Mart
Nov 17. 2011
I have heard about this cloud computing but never know about its future scope. Thanks for letting us know. Nice Share.
TechCrates
Nov 17. 2011
You’re welcome Mart ..
Kirsty
Nov 17. 2011
I’ve heard vaguely about cloud computing here and there, but didn’t really understand what it meant. Thanks for clearing it up. I can see vast potential in the clouds, and it will certainly be interesting to see how it comes out between Apple and Google. Thanks for the post!
TechCrates
Nov 17. 2011
you’re welcome & thanks for stopping by my blog ….
Alex
Nov 20. 2011
Cloud computing is THE most assinine idea ever conceived in IT. After spending decades and dollars to learn how to keep information secure on a LAN, we’re supposed to jump for joy at the prospect of putting our information on the WWW/WAN (in the full control of others) and feel secure?
TechCrates
Nov 20. 2011
Although now the cloud is not much secure but it might probably be in future
Nisar
Nov 22. 2011
This article does make the term more clearer. Nice one.
TechCrates
Nov 23. 2011
Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂
Jack
Nov 30. 2011
Nice post, informative too, A simple example of cloud computing is Yahoo email, Gmail, or Hotmail etc. You dont need a software or a server to use them.
TechCrates
Nov 30. 2011
Yes exactly …
Olan
Dec 01. 2011
Good article… I know Kindle Fire is using this technology with its browser…
shashank chinchli
Dec 10. 2011
Cloud computing is the future!CLoud computing is now part of daily lyfe you can say!
good post buddy!
Puneet
Feb 08. 2012
Future of cloud computing is bright I hope.
ปั้มไลค์
Jun 07. 2020
Like!! Thank you for publishing this awesome article.