Simplifying the Cloud

How do you define cloud computing? Below is a brief conversation I had with my dad introducing him to "the Cloud".  Please share your definition of Cloud Computing and/or experience explaining it to someone non-technical. Visit also C Spire's website to learn how we can help you simplify your operations.  

My dad is one of the smartest people I know. Farm life taught him to be self-reliant and to learn how things work. Growing up, I can’t recall a situation or problem that he could not figure out, fix or repair. Nor can I recall an electrician, plumber or mechanic visiting our house either. Dad would always save the day! He has always demonstrated a natural curiosity about things and a willingness to experiment and learn. So it baffles me that this “superman” can become so intimidated by technology like cell phones, laptops and the internet.

Dad sometimes quizzes me about technology-related topics. We actually have some interesting conversations, but I’ve learned to recognize when my explanations become too detailed – his lips draw into a polite smile, his head nods as if there is understanding, but his eyes give him away as he develops a certain blank stare. I’ve learned over the years to keep the conversation simple on the technology stuff. His recent question was related to Cloud Computing, of which I was delighted. Making “the Cloud” simple is part of my job. The conversation thread follows:

Dad: “What’s this Cloud Computing stuff? If it’s such a big hit, then why aren’t my technology stocks going through the roof if everyone is jumping onboard?

Jeff: “Dad, I’m glad you asked. Cloud computing is what I do. Cloud computing is a model where technology computer resources, like hardware or software, are shared and accessed through the internet. So instead of buying boxes of equipment and spending possibly thousands and millions of dollars up front, businesses get access to computing resources through a subscription service, on a pay as you go basis.”

Dad: “Sounds like a rental service and common sense to me. Why would I want to buy an asset that’s not going to appreciate in value? Why are they (his investment experts) saying that this is a disruptive technology?”

Jeff: “Well, Cloud Computing is becoming common now, and technology has changed a lot during the past 10-20 years. (Holding up my iPad) People have more computing power now in their pockets than companies had in their data centers in the 80s and 90s. This iPad is as fast as the super computer of the 90s. Computing power was expensive and scarce back then, so it made sense for companies to invest in building their own data centers and owning their own hardware and software. The businesses that purchased computers when they first came out experienced huge competitive advantages and tremendous productivity gains. Soon, every business had to have computing power to compete.

“But now, businesses don’t need to make the big hardware and software purchases like they used to. They can acquire what they need when they need it through the Cloud in smaller increments from providers who share these services with others. On the cost side, these companies (i.e. his technology stock picks) are spending a lot of money to migrate their systems to the Cloud as quickly as they can. Some experts predict that by the end of this year, over 80% of the new software applications being developed will be delivered through the Cloud.”

I then showed him how my iPad was backed up by a Cloud application and explained that this was just a small example of how the Cloud is being used. His response–as expected, that familiar polite smile, stating, “Ok. Ok. I see. I see.” I have a feeling that this conversation will continue. (Note: I’ll save the topic of virtualization of resources and economies of scale for another time). Cloud computing is becoming the new normal; and his large company stock picks seem to be slow to adjust to this new norm.