Online storage has been available for several years. In general, the service provides secure storage space customers can access over the internet. The data is usually stored redundantly in various locations to prevent the loss of vital information the customer wishes to keep confidential.
Storage providers are differentiated by the complexity of the services they provide. The best cloud storage providers offer a variety of features and plenty of storage space for a reasonable price.
What does the future hold for cloud storage providers?
Over the past few months there has been an evolution in cloud storage as the competition gets fiercer. What began as a secure place to store data, is now a complete online business solution company employees can use to collaborate on projects and present information to clients. One of the methods used to make this transition possible is the integration of other services and embedding the service into mobile operating systems.
What has been available so far is just the tip of the iceberg. This burgeoning market is geared to disrupt the entire personal computing environment and the OS markets. Rather than just being a supplement to personal computers and a safeguard for sensitive data, cloud services will become an integrated part of daily life.
Consumers will use tablets as the conduit between their other devices such the personal computer and smartphone and their online cloud based data. Within four years tablets are expected to have improved sensors, increased processing power and advanced wireless capabilities. These improvements will mean the new tablets will have:
- complete voice control
- dictating capabilities
- better integration between accessories
- increased gesture control
- additional situational context
- advanced software capable of anticipating the needs of the user.
These advanced features will also make their way into new PCs, but the mobility of the tablet will give it a clear advantage over the PC.
Experts in the field believe Apple will dominate the new tablet market, even though the competition is currently closing in on its market share. While the Google Android is expected not to fare as well due to the fragmented ecosystem, since tablets based on the Android are not all granted the same access to various apps. It is also expected that Google will lose out to re-branded Androids such as the Amazon Kindle. And competition from the new Windows 8 tablet is expected to put a further dent in the Google Android market.
It is widely believed that a large number of original equipment manufacturers will turn their focus away from Android devices, opting to produce the Windows 8 tablet, instead. Samsung and other lower priced tablet producers, however, are expected to stay the course, providing primary growth markets with more affordable devices.
Microsoft is developing a software architecture fully integrated with touch computing. Many other software developers are creating similar systems, but the enhanced app is not expected to be available for at least a year. When it does hit the market, Microsoft is believed to be ahead of the crowd.
Ultimately, the future of cloud computing will mean much more than online storage. The PC will be completely redefined, both literally and figuratively, being much more about the overall experience than just the machine itself. PC will not mean personal computer, but rather include the full computing experience from cloud services to the wide range of technology including smartphones, tablets and frames.
About the Author: The article is provided by Morris of FileStorageOnline.net.