Clouds

Lately there has been a lot of talk about cloud computing, but this technology may be delayed unless tech companies can get Congress to overhaul some electronic privacy laws. At its simplest, cloud computing is the storage of data on remote servers instead of on the pc’s hard drive. A 1986 law gives protection to individuals’ documents, emails, etc. and needs to be updated to cover data stored on cloud networks. Without this, individuals may not feel safe storing their information on remote servers.

There has been a big push from Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Intel, AT&T, and other tech companies to have cloud computing covered under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and with good reason. Microsoft believes that cloud computing will be able to double it’s sales within five years. I think that Congress will amend the laws soon and give cloud computing the privacy protection that it needs to be successful. The digital world is changing fast and as a result laws are going to have to be changed, along with new ones being enacted. I also agree with Microsoft in that cloud computing will be highly successful, but I don’t know if it will double their sales in five years.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-09-23/microsoft-seeks-privacy-law-to-aid-cloud-computing.html

Google to challenge ITunes

The ongoing technology battle between Google and Apple is going to heat up even more with Google developing an online music service. Reports have leaked that Google's system will not only allow users to download music, but will also allow users to use an online-storage system for $25 a year. This storage system will enable users to access their music library from any device that has an internet connection. This new innovation may be just what Google needs to put a dent in Apple's 70% market share.


Another key feature that will set Google's music store apart from ITunes is that it will enable users to upload their own music libraries into the system. This has record labels concerned because it may allow pirated music to be uploaded into Google's library.


While I think it is good for competition, I have to ask, "Is Google a little late to the party?" Apple and Amazon have been selling music for years and have already established themselves in the online music market. Also, in the past couple years Pandora has exploded onto the scene with their customized online radio. Not to even mention the billions of songs that are downloaded illegally through file sharing networks. I may just be pessimistic but I do not see many people switching to Google when the majority music downloaders already have ITunes to manage their IPods. Even people that download illegally usually have ITunes. Until Google develops a device to rival the IPod, I do not see Google making a significant dent in Apple's music sales.




http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/09/16/google-music-store-storage/

Nokia's Savior?

As you may have noticed in the past couple years Nokia's presence in the smart phone market is almost nonexistent. They are still the biggest handset maker, but Apple and Google's operating systems are beginning to build loyalty with their customers. As a result, Nokia's stock has dropped 60% since 2007. However, Nokia's newly hired CEO, Stephen Elop, may just be the individual to turn around their company. As the former head of Microsoft's business software group, Elop's software background should help transform the company from their current slow moving culture into a leaner more innovative company.

Another advantage of having Elop as your CEO is his ties with Microsoft. In fact, the two have already reached an agreement to put a mobile version of Office on Nokia's phones. It makes you wonder if they may form a strategic partnership and use Microsoft's operating system for Nokia's phones.

Only the future will tell if Elop can turn around Nokia's fortunes, however Nokia's stock has already increased just due to the news of Elop's arrival.