Cloud+Computing

Vir Sodhi 994480968 Cloud Computing The article titled “Clash of the Clouds” discusses the introduction of a new era in the information technology industry: cloud computing. Cloud computing refers to the growing trend of computing taking place outside of traditional centers, such as home computers and offices. Now they are taking place in the cloud, or “huge data centers housing vast storage systems and hundreds of thousands of servers” ( Clash of the Clouds). Many of the services associated with the cloud can be accessed through a variety of avenues, such as smartphones, browsers, or other client-based devices. This allows access not restricted by a home computer or fixed location, but on the go. This growing trend of online, or cloud services, has been evident in that Windows 7 is “the first operating system to come with fewer features” ( Clash of the Clouds). The three biggest players in cloud computing data centers are Google, Microsoft, and Apple. Google has been the leader in terms of how it approaches the notion of cloud services, and also has data centers with servers numbering in the millions. Microsoft has adjusted recently to this industry trend, and is focusing its resources on cloud computing as well. Apple has invested approximately 1 billion dollars into an upcoming data center in North Carolina ( Clash of the Clouds). It is primed in a unique position due to the success of the iPhone, a device that is ideal for cloud services. Google is not far behind with mobile phone systems, as the Android operating system 2.0 has been rolled out and carries high expectations. Cloud computing and cloud services are a new and rapidly growing trend in the information technology industry, and industry giants are positioning themselves to capitalize on its continuing growth.

**__Bibliography__** "Clash of the Clouds." //The Economist// 17 Oct. 2009: 80-82. Print.