Friday May 27, 2005

Where will you store your data?

In a recent post about Gmail Jeremy Zawodny said "The more I use GMail, the more I find myself re-thinking about the question: Where will you store your data?." I think that the long predicted transition to keeping your data on the network as opposed to on the desktop is really happening. I know that I like the idea of someone else backing up my data and me being able to access it from anywhere. I've recently started using Plaxo for my address book and del.icio.us for my bookmarks. I still use Thunderbird at home to access my yahoo email but I am seriously considering changing over to Gmail.

This change to keeping your data on the network reminds me of the change from punched cards to on line files. (I know I am dating myself) I remember liking the security of being able to hold my program in my hand but once I faced the fact that a program on a deck of cards was probably less safe that an online program there was no looking back. Having all your data on the network accessible from your PDA, your laptop or a computer at work just makes sense. This is of course Sun's vision of the future of computing. Why should you be tied to just one device.

Renaissance People

I often read books or articles that advise you to find your passion, focus and become an expert. That advice has never worked for me. That is why James Governor's blog about the need for the reemergence of Renaissance People really resonated for me. I have always resisted being a specialist. My goal is to have a wide range of knowledge. I get bored focusing on just one topic.