January 9th, 2012 | 
Author: When we look up at the clouds, we typically don't think about chips, circuits, broadband internet, or multi-core processors in industrially-cooled data centers. We usually see fluffy bunnies, roaring dragons, or images of teddy bears that look remarkably like the ones we played with as kids. Yet, technology is rapidly evolving to be as ubiquitous as the sky is over our heads. Cloud computing is not a new concept, and has been developing over the past decade with remarkable speed and efficacy. People used to be forced to carry lots of data with them at all times in the form of laptop computers (sometimes purchased with Dell coupons found in the Sunday paper), USB flash drives, or ruggedized hard drives encased in layers of protective shock-absorbing silicone and metal.
The problem with these devices is that they're easily lost, damaged, or stolen, and the onus of data recovery is then placed on the shoulders of law enforcement and private investigation. This can be a costly, time-consuming process that leaves mobile professionals without a means to earn a living while their equipment is unaccounted for. With cloud data, all that changes.
For many years, I relied on my desktop computer to store all of my documents, photos, and music, and dreaded the long sync processes required to get that data from my desktop computer to my phone, laptop, or storage device. Sometimes, the process was so long that errors would crop up, forcing me to restart the entire process and suffer through long sync times once again.
Cloud computing and storage finally allows me to ditch my tether to bulky, power-hungry desktop computers and live a cord-free, sync-free life. I can edit documents, write short stories, share presentations, and keep all of my devices in lockstep as I move freely throughout my day, whether that means dodging traffic on my bike to get to my next meeting, or settling in at a coffee shop for a long afternoon of writing a few more chapters in my book. Finally, I can live without having to worry about whether my data will be lost when I hit that next speed bump, and when I look up at the clouds, I utter a little thank you to all the research and development that's gone into making my life a little easier.
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