OVERVIEW

THE CLOUD COMPUTING GUIDE

FOR NON-TECHIES

excerpt from press release for The Cloud Computing Guide for Non-Techies by K. C. Flynn

The Cloud Computing Guide for Non-Techies is a series of five no-frills stories that address the technical logistics and topical significance of the cloud.

The two “snapshots” below compare 1995 and 2015 computing setups that would be used by a non-techie. In 1995 the average person had not yet hooked up their desktop computer to the Internet. By 2015 the Internet is a given, and many average people are on their way to unhooking themselves from their desks.

Both snapshots show a person using a computer to get something done. Yet, the scenarios differ dramatically as regards computing power, connectivity, capabilities, and human engagement. A short narrative about each of these topics can go a long way toward removing some of the misconceptions surrounding cloud technology.

Part 1 highlights some real-world examples to characterize our unique moment in the development of new cloud technologies. Part 2 takes a look at modern day cloud computing infrastructure, while Part 3 explores Internet infrastructure. Part 4 identifies how the recent monumental advancements in those two infrastructures have given us new ways to get things done, plus new things to do. Part 5 considers how people are being affected by cloud-enabled social, workplace, and educational environments.

With better information about how stuff works, non-techies can make wiser tech choices and join the ongoing dialogue about the promises and challenges of the coming age.