Back to Mainframes into the Cloud

Kevin — Sat, 10 May 2008 12:47:00 GMT

So, we are going back to mainframes (sorta). First it was big computers in big rooms. Then everyone had to have their own computer. We figured out how to connect them, but the model still wasn't quite right. We've had thick clients and thin clients and problems with each. We've had shrink wrap software and online software. We've heard of Software as a Service (SaaS), but it always seemed like a dream wrought with performance and scalability problems.

The new world is Cloud Computing where the Services are hosted in scalable data warehouses. The clients follow the client hybrid approach using a technology such as Silverlight or sophisticated Ajax to consume the services and present a rich user experience. On the server side IT data center issues go away, scalability is built in, and shared resources make it greener.

Software + Services
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/architecture/aa699384.aspx

SaaS Architecture
http://www.microsoft.com/feeds/msdn/en-us/architecture/media/SaaS/splusarcperspectives.asx

Live Mesh (bringing it together)
http://blogs.msdn.com/livemesh/

Microsoft Software Online
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/mar08/03-02AllSizeBusinessesPR.mspx

Bill talks of the Cloud (top priority)
http://www.microsoft.com/winme/0802/32460/Sharepoint_BillG_JaniceKapner.asx

Coca-Cola Online
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120451096788306801.html?mod=rss_whats_news_technology&apl=y&r=375403

Others
Amazon EC2: http://www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html?node=201590011
Google: https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=ah&continue=http://appengine.google.com/_ah/login%3Fcontinue%3Dhttp://appengine.google.com/<mpl=ae&sig=2441550b0617bb4eb9e7f8c3eb9e63b1

A9 Search

Kevin — Wed, 14 Apr 2004 22:55:00 GMT

Amazon's A9.com is live. It provides a Google search along with the amazing ability to search through the books at Amazon. I tried a few phrases I thought might be in books and was very impressed.

The Web and Locality

Kevin — Sun, 21 Mar 2004 18:01:00 GMT

In the future a big feature of the web is going to be locality. Knowing where you are and what's around you. Wouldn't you know Google has already got a handle on this. With their new service that lets you find local businesses and services on the web.

Tech. News

Back to Mainframes into the Cloud

A9 Search

The Web and Locality