Personal cloud

Last week we spoke about cloud computing now let’s talk about “personal cloud.” The idea of a personal cloud came about, sometime five years ago, at a time when cloud computing had finally gained the full confidence and following of large corporations not only for data storage but also as a worthy alternative to manipulate and process the same from within the internet without worrying too much about operating systems, devices and applications. Thanks to Google for leading the way.

In cloud computing, the applications we normally use (word processing and spreadsheet and etc) reside on the internet cloud since most people are already connected virtually anyway. Personal cloud works on the same principle by enabling users to use the same cloud in order to enjoy their personal digital files like music, video files and other stuff.

The idea may look stupid because one needs to be connected to the internet in order to play and organize one’s digital files. It’s like when you’re on a bus and you want to use your headset to play your favorite mp3s, you have to make sure that your device is good enough to capture an internet signal or perhaps find out first if your internet provider services those areas where the bus is plying to. But that’s not quite the whole idea.

At the very least, those who have invested on developing personal cloud platforms do not look at it that way. They believe that in the very future, internet will be as ubiquitous as the radio signal that we were once accustomed to decades ago. Internet will eventually be delivered via satellite and other means where we no longer have to worry about searching for an internet signal. The internet will eventually find us anywhere we go. Thus, a personal cloud will become a personal necessity for those who are always connected and on the go.

But what is really the advantage of having a personal cloud? What makes it so exciting that many can’t wait to see this wave of the future happening very soon? The clear answer is about freedom and empowerment. Personal cloud enables people to be no longer tethered by operating systems, applications and devices: the stuff that makes digital devices not only expensive but virtually a monopoly to a few such as Windows and Mac-enabled devices. In a cloud environment, people will have to carry lean and mean devices with just a web browser installed then play and manage their digital files the way they do them with their desktop and mobile devices.  

While still considered at its nascent stage, personal cloud application developers have yet to come up with a good business model to quickly gain market traction. My initial research tells me that personal cloud application providers are looking at the possibility of paid subscriptions. Meaning, you can only have your own personal cloud when you are subscribed to the service. Some also floated the idea of a personal cloud with ads all over. But whatever these models will be, my hunch is that developers will eventually bend down to offering their platforms for free and let users pay extra for the additional cool apps they want similar to the plugins offered by Wordpress.

But to give you an idea what a personal cloud is all about, you can browse Exvo.com and see for yourself how a personal cloud works and looks like.

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I would like to take this opportunity to greet my family, relatives, friends and avid readers from all over the world; to my students at Informatics SM and my colleagues in Real Estate Minds and to all my close friends, erstwhile classmates, business partners, A very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. 

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