The Cloud Economy: Part 1
Everyone in the U.S. seems to be talking about our economy. It's in poor shape. We're spending billions on wars and bailouts. Job loss is on the rise (with 1.2M jobs lost so far in 2008), home sales are losing ground, and we're in a leadership transition that leaves some people feeling in limbo.
So, what does the economy have to do with cloud computing? I think the better question is "What can cloud computing do for the economy?"
There is a new business trend emerging -- one that begins with a partially or completely outsourced cloud IT infrastructure. Some businesses are cropping up that could not exist without cloud computing. Why? Because if they needed to put in place a viable IT infrastructure, they couldn't afford to open the doors, especially if they do not have enough cash to fund their idea or they fail to get a venture capitalist interested in chipping in. Cloud computing allows these very businesses to open shop without a big outlay of cash, take less risk, be more agile, experiment until they find success, and grow much faster and more independently than their predecessors.
I believe this new generation of business will take hold and take off -- and that this will take us into the "cloud economy". Here's a spreadsheet that explains a bit of the thought process.
Discuss amongst yourselves. Part 2 will be delivered shortly.
I like the train of though, however I think this matrix over-romanticizes reality. I think the "Social Brain" could be fleshed out a bit more.
As for Web 4.0, I reject this entirely. Every "visionary" timeline for the last 30 (to some degree, based on Popular Mechanics, you could go back to the 50's) suggests that virtual immersion is just around the corner. It is not. At least, your description suggests that everyone will accept SecondLife as "reality" and strap HMD's on during breakfast to read the news paper.
I look forward to Part 2.
Posted by benr on November 08, 2008 at 03:35 AM CST #
Very insightful blog post, looking forward to part 2!
Posted by Marc Dierens on November 09, 2008 at 01:23 PM CST #
Benr:
I'll get more into the "social brain" in future entries.
You're right about Web 4.0. I not only reject Web 4.0 entirely, but I reject Web x.x entirely. In fact, I'm sick of references to Web x.x. However, we have to put a stake in the ground somewhere to explain this evolution. So, I have to continue using these references until someone gives me something better to use. Any thoughts or ideas on that?
I don't think that everyone will accept Second Life as reality. In fact, you'll notice I never said anything about Second Life. Frankly, as I walk or fly around in Second Life, I get tired of waiting for the world to render. I believe there are a lot of problems with Second Life. Thankfully, it is not the only virtual world application out there.
Thanks for your comments. Keep them coming and please identify yourself.
Posted by Ynema Mangum on November 10, 2008 at 08:49 AM CST #