The Cloud

Everywhere the “cloud’ is being presented as the technology panacea.

First what is the cloud? In computer related data management there are basically three layers. First, there is the data layer made up of information. Second there is the process layer or how you manipulate the information. Third, there is the interface layer or how the user interacts with the data through processing.

A spreadsheet, a document, music or video are all just different kinds of data. Today most of this data is resident on your laptop, cellphone or PC. Increasingly, in the case of email and attachments, it might reside in the “cloud” on email servers. This is why you can log in to your email from various devices, access your contact list, review archived messages and acquire new messages. The information is not resident with a device. It follows that if the data is in the cloud, so too is the process. The same concept applies when you use a service like Netflix and “stream” a movie. The movie never really completely leaves their server.  Netflix sends you real time bits that are refreshed as the previous bits are used.

In the new cloud model the interface layer may have split functions and reside in part either on a device and in the cloud. Apple is famous for developing excellent user interfaces of what you see and how you interact.

Today most of the programs you use has its data, process and user layers resident on a PC, laptop or other device. The cloud advocates want to change that so you are purely a “subscriber” to a program. It will allow cloud businesses greater control over how the programs are used and instant flexibility in charging.  The downside is nothing is private. They can sell any and all information they obtain about you. The government can also use “warrantless” wiretaps claiming public domain.

What do you need for a “cloud”. First, you need a server or mainframe computer to host at least the data and processing layers. Second your computer must be network "connectable" to the user. Companies like Amazon have acres of such computers that they lease to businesses for their cloud presence.

Here is a way to think of the cloud. Think of yourself as the Emperor on parade in the Hans Christian Andersen story “The Emperor's New Clothes”. Add a chain around your neck as well with someone else holding the reigns while you are on parade. But if you are on "Facebook", nudity is likely not an issue.