Software Via the Internet: Microsoft in 'Cloud' Computing

Microsoft recently announced plans to provide free software that connects its Windows operating system to software services hosted on the Internet, a technique known as "cloud" computing. Microsoft hopes its new online applications will be competitive against similar online services offered by Google and other online software providers that already offer software applications online and have a significant head start. The Microsoft Windows Live software suite will include an updated electronic mail program, photo-sharing applications, and a writing tool designed for bloggers. Microsoft wants the Windows Live package to make the company the digital curator of all of a user's information, whether it's on a PC, mobile device, or the Internet. Millions of Internet users already use Web applications either to create or store data. For example, Google offers several cloud computing applications, including email, photo sharing, and a word document and spreadsheet application. Microsoft is counting on its large user base to make Windows Live a success, and plans to provide some applications for free, such as photo-sharing and disk storage, while charging for others, including computer security and a variety of business-oriented services for small and medium businesses. Microsoft's competitors are upset because four years ago Microsoft argued against adding compression features that would allow Web applications to perform better, but now Microsoft has developed its own compression standards that could make Windows Live perform better than its competitors. Click Here to View Full Article