Story Tools: PRINT | Text Size: S M L XL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACK

Nicholas Carr's vision of cloud computing

Friday, February 1, 2008 | 11:23 AM ET

By Nora Young, host of CBC radio's Spark

"Cloud computing" is a buzz term in tech circles these days. It refers to the move from computing as something that happens on the hard drive of your computer - with software you've loaded onto it - to computing done remotely on a grid of computers, with software accessed online.

You're likely already using 'the cloud' if you use web-based e-mail, or have a profile on a social networking site. Imagine a future where all your data - not just your Facebook profile - lives online.

In his new book, The Big Switch: Rewiring the World, from Edison to Google, Nicholas Carr looks ahead to the seismic shifts this move to cloud computing may bring with it, raising questions about security, privacy, and economics.

I interviewed Nicholas Carr for the February 13th & 16th editions of my show, Spark. You can hear the full, unedited version of our conversation here.

« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »

This discussion is now Open. Submit your Comment.

Comments

Jason

Halifax

A little too uncomforatble for me. Especially since I keep passwords, usernames, resumes, personal notes and the such. I mean chances are the servers and the accessibiliy from computer to computer would be safe, but you got to wonder; what kind of people are monitoring these things and what will they try and pull? What maount of information would they see on the run of a day? Would the exploit the personal information? Sorry,but I think it's a bad idea. The computer is something you could leave PW, usernames, and personal information on it. Doing this would make computing 'less personal'.

Posted February 1, 2008 12:14 PM

Jordan

Winnipeg

It should not that much different for most users than it is currently. I'm not doing anything illegal online - as long as it's reliable and has no other downsides, I could care less and would be all for it.

Posted February 4, 2008 09:56 PM

Jack

Missouri

Sounds good to me. I don't care if anyone sees what I'm looking at. BRING ON THE MOBILE PORN.

Posted February 7, 2008 10:18 AM

Bukator

Is this really news? Did anyone not know this would eventually happen? It's the obvious progression of the internet and there's nothing wrong with it.

There might be some minor issues early on but overall I like the idea of my computer knowing me just as well as I know myself. Having advertisements just for me I don't think is a bad thing. I think it could work very well.

It'll be as secure as you need it to be. And it's about time for the desktop to die. The PC should be as simple as a screen, keyboard and mouse. Nothing else. Everything should be downloadable and accessable from the net (without wires).

Posted February 17, 2008 12:23 PM

« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »

Post a Comment

Disclaimer:

Note: By submitting your comments you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that due to the volume of e-mails we receive, not all comments will be published, and those that are published will not be edited. But all will be carefully read, considered and appreciated.

Note: Due to volume there will be a delay before your comment is processed. Your comment will go through even if you leave this page immediately afterwards.

Privacy Policy | Submissions Policy

Story Tools: PRINT | Text Size: S M L XL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACK

World »

Malnutrition kills 2 million kids a year
Five children around the world die every minute because of chronic malnutrition, according to a new report.
updated Honduras prison fire kills hundreds video
Trapped inmates screamed from their cells as a fire swept through a Honduran prison, killing at least 300 inmates in one of the world's deadliest fires in decades, authorities said Wednesday.
Syrian president 'stalls for time' with referendum video
While the Syrian military besieged rebellious areas, the president ordered a referendum for Feb. 26 on a new constitution that would open the way to political parties other than his ruling Baath Party.
more »

Canada »

Immigrants the proudest Canadians, poll suggests video audio
Most Canadians feel immigrants are just as likely to be good Canadian citizens as people who were born here and don't object to them keeping their original citizenship, according to a recent Environics survey.
new Wallenda will tightrope walk over Niagara Falls
Daredevil Nik Wallenda has overcome the final obstacle and received permission to walk a tightrope over Niagara Falls.
Attawapiskat gets 2 more houses by convoy video audio
Two more houses arrive at the northern Ontario reserve of Attawapiskat after a 12-hour trip over 300 kilometres of ice road from Moosonee.
more »

Politics »

updated NDP MPs urged to scrap gun registry in final vote
Public Safety Minister Vic Toews is urging opposition MPs to break party ranks and side with the government during tonight's vote on scrapping the long-gun registry.
live chat Wednesdays with @Kady: Feb. 15
On Wednesdays, CBCNews.ca's Politics blogger convenes a "people's caucus" to discuss and debate the issues of the week. On Feb. 15: guns, flags, and online surveillance. (And, if we must, Justin Trudeau.)
Trudeau says sovereignty less of a bogeyman now video
Justin Trudeau says sovereignty is less of a bogeyman than it once was as he defends himself against accusations he's sympathetic to the desire to leave Canada.
more »

Health »

Chronic fatigue may be reversed with exercise
Taking it easy is not the best treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, rather exercise and behaviour therapy are, a large study finds.
AT&T buys T-Mobile USA for $39B US
AT&T Inc. said Sunday it will buy T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom AG in a cash-and-stock deal valued at $39 billion US, becoming the largest cellphone company in the U.S.
Milky Way home to 50 billion planets: NASA
Scientists have compiled the first cosmic census of planets in our galaxy: at least 50 billion planets are estimated to call the Milky Way home.
more »

Arts & Entertainment»

new Whitney Houston fans yearn for public memorial
Whitney Houston fans are eagerly awaiting news of a public tribute, after a few more details of her upcoming private funeral in New Jersey emerged.
Museum offers reward after artifact theft video audio
A hefty reward is being offered for the return of two small archaeological pieces stolen from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
The Artist, Hugo spotlight film preservation
While The Artist and Hugo are showered with attention ahead of the upcoming Academy Awards, cinema experts say the movies are also shining a much-needed spotlight on the issue of film preservation.
more »

Technology & Science »

Online privacy erosion dismays critics
Government and law enforcement access to people's electronic communications is the norm in dictatorships around the world, but the same intrusion appears to be creeping into North America, say opponents of a new online surveillance bill tabled in the House Tuesday.
new Venus slowdown puzzles planetary scientists
Scientists have detected a sudden and dramatic slowdown in the rotation of Earth's sister planet Venus.
Electric cars can handle Canadian winter video
New data obtained by CBC News suggests the range of electric cars is significantly impaired by extreme cold, but not enough to affect the commuting habits of most Canadians.
more »

Money »

updated Canadian housing market cools in January
The housing resale market retreated in January following a strong December finish to 2011, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.
updated Some Eurozone countries doubt Greek bailout will work
There are strong doubts among some of the countries that use the euro over whether a second massive bailout can actually save Greece, officials said Wednesday, even as Athens rushed to meet tough conditions to qualify for the €130 billion ($170B US) rescue.
6 ways Greece can bounce back
Although Greece's economic future seems dire, a number of the country's sectors show promise, according to observers.
more »

Consumer Life »

Honda recalls Fit subcompacts
Honda Canada says it will recall 14,640 of its 2009 and 2010 Fit subcompact cars to replace lost motion springs.
U.S. travel fee proposal criticized by Harper
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he doesn't think much of a new border tax that's being proposed by the United States, calling it a cash grab designed to help a budget crisis.
Bell class action suit approved by Que. court
A Quebec Superior Court judge has authorized a class action lawsuit to go ahead against Bell Mobility.
more »

Sports »

Scores: NHL NBA

preview Alfredsson, Senators a formidable foe in Florida
The Florida Panthers look to win four straight for the first time in nearly four years Wednesday night when it meets an Ottawa team which has dominated the series over the past few seasons, especially on the Panthers' ice.
opinion Linsanity all about time and place
CBC Sports basketball contributor John Chick explains how the hysteria surrounding Linsanity is the result of everything coming together at the right time for Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin.
Maple Leafs arrive in Edmonton in vulnerable state
The Toronto Maple Leafs try to avoid a fifth straight loss Wednesday night when they visit an Edmonton team aiming for its longest home winning streak in nearly four years.
more »

Diversions »

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
more »