Cloud Drives? Think Again.

Posted by Unknown On Friday, August 17, 2012 2 comments
Much of my time is spent reading online articles for self-improvement. Unlike in the past when I was insane enough to read almost every single news item in news portals, and even more in Google News Alerts, I 'rehabilitated' myself and now focus on health, self-improvement and technology issues. To keep abreast with what's happening in the news scene, I only read headlines from my Twitter account. This morning, my 'breakfast' was on cloud storage and I'd like to share with you some observations and pointers.

I started using cloud storage for my files last year believing that it was the best alternative to external hard disks, pen drives and what have you's in storage of information. And no, I never store anything in my hard disks. To my horror, I lost everything I had saved for years because I had forgotten where I wrote the email used when I registered for the account and if you have as many email accounts as I have, you would realize that retrieving it is almost impossible. I approached the administration but it was quite pointless as I did not have details such as the Code Number for the cloud drive and many other important information. Since then, my blog is used as my 'hard disk' which means if I come across anything that is interesting, instead of keeping it in my storage devices, I blog about it and enjoy sharing whilst others can also enjoy the ease of access to whatever I want to keep. Besides, even my grandchildren will be able to access the information therein long after I have departed.

Recently, Google launched its Google Cloud Drive service offering 5GB free storage with the option to upgrade to 25 GB for less than $2.50 a month. There, one can store practically everything for next to nothing. It also allows us to share files with exactly who we want and edit them together, from any device as Gogle Drive gives us instant access to Google Docs which is asuite of editing tools that makes working together better—even as it overcomes geographical barriers.

How many of you know that Google is Intel's biggest (and ONLY) cloud customer? Wired Senior Writer Robert Mcmillan wrote:

Most companies buy computers from the Dells, HPs, and IBMs of the world. A few really big cloud providers will cut out the middlemen and go to direct to the companies that assemble systems for the big server-makers — obscure Asian manufacturers with names like Quanta Computer and Wistron. But there’s one company that does things its very own way. Google goes direct to Intel, and then assembles the hundreds of thousands of servers that power its data centers all by itself. 

Intel sells about 90 percent of the world’s server chips, and it’s been making a lot of money as internet companies build massive data centers to host the web-based applications that consumers — and corporations — love. 
But there’s no one quite like Google, according to Diane Bryant, general manager of Intel’s Datacenter and Connected Systems Group. “Google is the only cloud service provider that’s building their own server-storage-network infrastructure,” she says. According to Bryant, Google has been buying parts direct from Intel for at least five years. MORE HERE.
What about other companies? Check the following links:

Cisco Hit With Backlash Over Home Router ‘Cloud’ Service

Cisco Rethinks ‘Cloud’ Service After Customer Outcry

(Real) Storm Crushes Amazon Cloud, Knocks out Netflix, Pinterest, Instagram

The other alternative would be skinless servers. According to Gartner, "Skinless servers are designed with a reduced amount of rack, chassis and, in some cases, even motherboard components to maximize server density potential and reduce material use and power consumption. Typical designs involve a lack of outside sheet metal coverings (hence the term “skinless”) over individual servers, as well as shared power and cooling resources within the rack frame." In 2009 June, HP scaled out its HP's ExSO (Extreme Scale-Out) line is aimed at packing them in the data centre aisles. A new range of ProLiant SL servers increases density and reduces weight and power consumption. You can find out more about other types of low power servers HERE.

Recently, the digital world was shaken when by the ‘Epic Hack’ of Matt Honan. Read about Matt's experience AT THIS LINK and practical advice AT THIS SITE.

After my cloud drive experience when I backed up my data in one server and backed up that backed-up data in another cloud drive and lost everything simply because of  my forgetfulness, I went back to basics.

So, I keep a journal of observations and then record interesting ones in my blog instead of storing information anywhere. However, I suppose it is quite impossible for MNCs, huge corporations etc with loads of data.

At the same time, I am well aware of how recent trends indicate that certain quarters want us to synch our accounts, data, contacts etc. Think again. Is it wise? As for me, I am trying to cut down as much as I can on my net activity and have reduced my Facebook activities by 99%. I only keep that account because it allows my former students and I to keep in touch.

Whatever it is, let's do what is best for our needs. The real world is by far much better than the digital world regardless of whatever advantages it offers us. Think about it.

2 comments to Cloud Drives? Think Again.

  1. says:

    UP41 I like the word cloud, so what come to your mind when you say cloud ? I prefer hard/fixed instead of cloud which could be easily blown away by strong wind. :D

    I wonder how many can really pass down their storage of ebooks to children/ grand children. You can do that with paper books but not ebook because by then the format/machine that read the ebooks are no more available like many electronic storage device such as diskette.

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear UP41

    Ah - excellent response. You are so right in your observations. Those with foresight might print out the ebooks but even then, how many would really bother to do that?

    That is why I reckon it is better to go back to basics.

    Take care and thank you for sharing.

    Wishing you and your family a good break.


    Best wishes

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