Sidekick to the cloud

Recently a lot of people that have Microsft Sidekicks (i don't know anyone that owns one..) lost their data because this particular pda/phone saves it's data on servers instead of on the phone itself.  This is often referred to as "cloud computing" where you are using centralized computing power for processing or storage as opposed as buying a new phone every year or so for a new upgrade.  Google gmail and apps are a good simplified example of cloud computing.  All your data and mail is held on Google's servers instead of like Outlook Express or other email clients where you would store the mail on your computer gathering and harboring viruses.

A ton of cynics seemed to just attack this because a few thousand people lost their data and we're marking it as the disappointment to cloud computing.  Microsoft is ever so slowly restoring everyone's data back to their phones, but I'd like to challenge the naysayers at their own game.  How many times have you lost data on your computer?  Hard drive crashes, viruses, glitches, lightning storms, oops I installed that wrong - go back go back go back..Crap!  For me it is an immeasurable amount despite my irregular backups and more careful installs.

I think cloud computing will be a key to the future of computing as bandwidth gets greater and greater.  Using "smart terminals" will increase our capabilities for mobility.  Being able to access the same information from your phone as you do with your computer can be a huge benefit.

I think the failure of Microsoft is certainly their ability to recover individuals data in a timely manner.  However, as computing moves more and more towards cloud computing, at least we have a great case study to look at on what not to do in regards to data storage and recovery.

mdd