The era of cloud computing

A New York Times special section on cloud computing reports the technology will dominate Internet and communications spending the next six years.

Industry analysts at IDC figure that if largely cloud-based things like mobile apps, big data and social media are counted, over the next six years almost 90 percent of new spending on Internet and communications technologies, a $5 trillion global business, will be on cloud-based technology, according to the Times.

The technology – technically, referring to an efficient method of managing lots of computer servers, data storage and networking – has many upsides, including compiling consumer data for marketers and video game play.

There also are hurdles. Among the reported challenges: securing investor capital for the next phase, security and privacy concerns, regulatory issues and pesky service interruptions.

Bringing it back down to Earth, the special section says Seattle has emerged as the U.S. hub for cloud computing jobs.
 
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