What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a popular buzz term in technology circles. The phrase has a vague sound to it. What exactly is cloud computing?

At its most basic level, cloud computing is a model for remote computer access. The idea is simple: You use your computer and an Internet connection to make contact with a remote server. This server, which is really just a computer, runs applications using its hardware. You're able to influence the application by executing commands through a Web browser or other user interface. But the remote server is doing all the heavy lifting.

Why would you want to use a cloud computing system? One reason is that it lets you access applications your own computer might not be able to execute. Your computer only has to run a Web browser or simple user interface. In most cloud computing applications, this client-side program places minimal demands on your machine's resources. That means you can take advantage of a variety of programs and services without having to continually invest in the fastest computers. Since the cloud computing service is handling all the processor work, you just need a machine capable of connecting to the Internet.

Another major selling point for cloud computing services is that they allow you to access your data on a variety of devices no matter where you are. If you rely on your own computer to execute programs, you're limited to that machine unless you make special arrangements. You may have to e-mail a file to yourself so that you can access it on another device. You may have to set up a home network to allow file transfers between machines. And there's the risk that you'll duplicate the file in the process, which can be confusing further down the road -- which file is the real one? Cloud computing services store your information on remote servers. You can log into the cloud computing service using your account login and password. You don't have to use the same computer or device each time.

Google is in a particularly good position when it comes to cloud computing. It's a large, stable company, which means customers can be reasonably confident that their services and data won't disappear overnight. Its leadership team includes engineers who know how to create solutions for computer centers. And the company has demonstrated that its philosophy of using inexpensive equipment rather than cutting-edge machines works.

Next, we'll take a closer look at how Google creates a cloud.

So after playing around with the miniNote this weekend, I came up with a checklist of features that should be a must in a machine that has to qualify as a cloud computer (or whatever you want to call it.)

1. Instant On
2. Doesn’t generate too much heat.
3. Minimum 5 years hours of battery life.
4. Must feature at least four communications options: WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth & Wireless Wide Area Network connection to, say, an EVDO or HSPA Network.
5. Less than three pounds (batteries included).
6. Screen size of 3.5-8 inches (wide-screen proportioned)
7. The primary function of the computer should be cloud-based activities that can include everything from listening to live music, reading blogs and watching videos. Writing research reports or cranking out spreadsheets isn’t the primary purpose of these machines.
8. It should cost no more than $300. This isn’t a computer; it’s a communications device. It should really be an on-the-go device. It is a device for the moments when your cellphone isn’t enough, and laptop is too much. An iPhone should qualify.
9. Its innards, ports should be geared for Internet-based activities — from making calls on Skype to consuming RSS feeds — though it should be able to handle external peripherals.
10. In the future it should move away from the keyboard and have a touchscreen interface that allows one to sift through large amounts of data (or web pages) quickly, as cramped keyboards and touchpads can be hard to use.