The Cloud

So what am I doing out here? A great question that deserves an answer. The proposed research topic that qualified me for UCDC deals with information technology. As more and more data is stored outside of the traditional hard drive, home users may be more familiar with the cloud than they think. Cloud computing, as defined by the National Institute for Standards and Technology, is simply the offering of computing as a service over the internet. Do you have an e-mail account? You're already in the cloud.

Cloud technology is expanding at an unprecedented rate. Enterprises of all sizes have already adopted virtual computing services (a variation of cloud tech.) that allow them to save thousands on PC upgrades and maintenance. Personal desktop users may soon be able to join in, as tech geeks like myself await the release of Google's "Chrome Operating System" this year. Home users will be able to store music, movies and run virtually any application on a wireless device. We can do it! We have the technology. Computing will be faster, more efficient.... harder, better, faster, stronger.

WAIT!
Yes?
IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!
It is.
WILL IT BE SECURE ENOUGH?
Maybe yes, maybe no.
WILL MY INFORMATION BE PRIVATE?
Good question.
WHO OWNS ALL MY "STUFF" ONCE IT'S ON THE CLOUD?
Depends on who you ask.

These are questions which bug me every day. I'm out here researching cloud computing's major policy implications. The laws which govern online privacy and security are outdated. Is congress doing anything to provide the proper framework for the cloud before it's too late? Or better yet - should congress be doing anything at all? Would it be best for the industry to self-regulate? These questions are pertinent, and I plan on answering them. Stay tuned.

Reflections on a Town Worth Living In

Week 3. Started the week lucky with Monday's MLK holiday. Took the opportunity to visit the Lincoln Memorial, stood in the same spot where MLK delivered the dream speech, and basked in the 53 degree weather. I hear that D.C. has better weather than SoCal right now. Suckers...



On Tuesday I attended a cloud computing event at Brookings Institution. Speakers included VP's of Google, Microsoft, and some Georgetown professors. Tremendous opportunity to speak with people in the business about my research out here. All goes well, I may end up with an actual job job.



And finally, a picture of a sweet house in Georgetown.



Warm Regards-
Mark

The Week in Pictures

Greetings!

Having the time of my life out here. A nice break in weather this week. A spike up from mid 20's to 53 degrees today! Walked out side with little more than a t-shit and hoodie on. A bit of snow expected this weekend so it's not likely to last. Enjoy the photo update (click them for larger view) -

Shortly after taking this photo of the White House, I froze my face off trying to navigate back home. Don't trust the DC Metro system late on a Sunday night. My mistake...

Just outside my office. Biden is all smile. The O plays it cool.

Exploring GWU today with UCLA's very own special guest, Justine.

Found a random jazz bar in some back alley. Can't wait.

And the answer is yes - I already located the local JCC. Just blocks from the apartment.

Okay!

-Mark

Surviving On Empanadas

Hello!

Nearly a week has passed, and I'm still alive! So far so good. Plenty to report soon -

Starting Somewhere

Hello!

Thank you for visiting. This blog, entitled "hopping about," will track my movements on the east coast this winter. Please check in every once in awhile. I leave on Monday the 4th and return (most likely) to California in mid-March. I promise to keep it entertaining, if not at least thought-provoking. And wish me luck. It's going to be a cold winter.

Best,
-Mark