Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) plans to offer a service that will allow consumers to store data on the company's hard drives instead of individual PCs. According to The Wall Street Journal that would include content "such as word-processing documents, digital music, video clips and images."
Google has already begun the move to what is called "web-based" computing. The system allows applications to run on remote servers instead of on PCs. The programs are viewed as competition to Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) Windows, which generally works using the PC's own memory and hard drive. Google has already introduced word processing and spreadsheet products based on running software on machines in its huge server farms.
The new program will raise all of the normal privacy concerns, but Google's problem with getting consumers to use the new service may go deeper than that.
Do people really need to store data remotely? Hard drives for PCs have tremendous storage capacity now. How many PC owners actually have the need to store files and information at a remote location?
Not many.
Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.
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Where have all the consumers gone?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-27-2007 @ 11:53AM
Jeff said...
you're missing the point... people don't store data remotely because of lack of storage capacity. they store it remotely so they can access it anywhere with greater integrity.
12-12-2007 @ 8:49PM
Gabby said...
I agree...the PURPOSE of online storage is so that people don't have to take their hard drives, flash drives, etc...with them every where they go. They can access the information online from anywhere and any computer that has internet access.
I think having free online storage of your documents, pictures, music etc. is a wondeful and long overdue idea. Box.net offers individuals FREE 1 GB of online storage with them. You can also manipulate your files you have stored with them via applications that are run on a web browser. Its fabulous!
11-27-2007 @ 2:02PM
pk22901 said...
wha???
"How many PC owners actually have the need to store files and information at a remote location?"
Ever heard of backup? How many owners need to backup their files?
My guess: a billion or so! Your guess?