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 The laws which govern online privacy and security are outdated.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.