Cloud computing is really something I've found an interest in over the past few months, and while some are skeptical as to if it will catch on, I'm convinced it's the way of the future. Before I begin discussing what I'd like to create in order to stay ahead of the internet market I'd like to convince you that cloud computing is indeed something you'll be using in the next 5 years (or less.)
It's no secret that the internet has brought amazing possibilities to the world. It become our social life, our entertainment, our recipe book, matchmaker, job finder, the list goes on. Though these are all well and good they are not without their draw backs. The largest concern for a web user such as myself is identity theft. What 20 years ago was an almost nonexistent problem is now likely to happen to you at least once in your lifetime.
Another problem is that information cannot easily be moved between computers. Sure we have flash drives and can be witty and email an attachment to ourselves, but in all honesty, working on another computer just isn't the same as working on your own.
The last problem I'd like to address is piracy. Huge amounts of internet bandwidth today are being used by those copying illegal material. This alludes to both a legal dilemma and a logistical one, in terms of how to meet internet demand for legitimate users.
Cloud computing fixes the problems today's internet cannot. First and foremost because data is stored remotely secure files will be handled by companies rather than individuals. For many this idea is outrageous, as most would never give any website their credit information or the like. But consider the current situation. Internet users who have a very small understanding of how the internet works download potentially harmful content which they let loose on their computer that often times is poorly protected. On the other hand you have companies like Google and Yahoo, who know almost everything their is to know about the internet, and have nearly endless funds to protect their systems. These are the individuals you want in charge of sensitive information, not low end users.
Cloud computing also allows individuals to sync files across platforms so that every system has access to the same information. On a small level this is similar to the server folder PSU students are issued for use in labs, but on a larger scale it would allow you to access all your music from your phone, xbox, laptop, or a friend's computer.
The last problem it solves is piracy. As more files become stored online it will become easier to monitor them for illegal files.
This leads me to what I believe needs to be done to stay ahead of the movement. First and foremost is that streaming sites of any media will become increasingly popular. Pandora has gained a lot of fame recently and I believe similar sites will emerge within the next few years. Additionally you've probably noticed that youtube now has advertisements on some videos. While this might annoy most users I believe it's something we'll be seeing a lot of because cable companies will begin to move online. Currently the internet doesn't have the capacity to house cable tv, but as more users demand higher speeds so they can be connected to the cloud 24/7 the option will become more viable. I also believe that VOIP (voice over IP) will become much more popular as speeds increase.
I have two ideas to profit off this dramatic change. The first is to create an interface that allows not only files, but applications to be shared across platforms. Mac, Windows, smart phones, would all share a common market place, and once an app was purchased it would be available on every machine it was compatible with.
The second idea is relatively simple. Since everything is moving to the internet that means that most bills will move their as well. I'd like to create a better PayPal. This site will have all the same features as the current site, but be much more flexible. It will allow you to add all payment options (credit, debit, eft,...) and will include a small line of credit. When a purchase is made over the internet the user will be prompted to select which pre-setup payment method they'd like to use. When they use their site issued card in person however the transaction will be saved in their line of credit until they login again and assign it to a payment method. This will eliminate overdraft fees! This site will also allow users to schedule payments and move money easily between accounts.
