The Storm is coming!

I've been waiting for this day for a really long time. The storm of Cloud computing is finally here and big changes are in store from some really big names.

One of those big names...Microsoft. Now, I'm by no means a Microsoft hater, but it does seem like their approach to the cloud is a little like there approach to the iPod.

When the Zune came out it seemed like nothing more than Microsoft's attempt to dabble in that "little" online music thing. Their Cloud computing announcements this week seem like the same "we're going to dabble". And if it goes anything like traditional Microsoft launches, well...

Their announcement does, however, give another strike of legitimacy to Cloud computing. As if Google, Amazon and Salesforce.com aren't credible enough with their massive efforts in the cloud!

This idea of Cloud computing has been in the back of my mind for many years and I have sat watching and anticipating the day when it was really ready to use. Well, even though it has a long way to go in terms of adoption, it's here, ready and offers measurable benefits.

I've become almost giddy with excitement about what this means for business owners all over the world. In fact, that's why I founded Gifiltis.com with my partner Matt Castelli. We're going to do everything in our power to help people start enjoying the Cloud benefits now rather than later. It's become a real passion.

I never anticipated becoming so passionate about something so intangible but wow...I am!

Cloud computing brings real computing power to almost any business and all you need is a browser and Internet connection. How cool is that? No more huge expense and IT headache. Let someone else manage that part of it. Just use the tools when, where and how you want. It's that simple.

Having been around computers and software for more than 25 years I've always been confused as to why ease of use wasn't always the main unbendable law of powerful software development. That frustration is largely over thanks to the Cloud.

Now before I give the impression that my head is completely in the Cloud, it's not yet the perfect solution for everyone. But, with thousands and thousands of developers all over the world working to create amazing new applications and tools every day, you can bet that the gap between now and then will be bridged very soon.

So the Storm is Coming! But this is a storm that you should welcome. The only thing this storm is going to destroy is your current frustrations with the cost and headache of computing!

See you in the Cloud,

Rob