Some Folks Have Their Heads in The Cloud When it Comes to Understanding Cloud Computing

[Michael Essany]

Some time ago, MMi highlighted a report noting the large number of iPhone 4 owners who (incredibly) believe that their device is running on a 4G network. While this confusion among the masses is difficult for some to comprehend, it is much easier to believe how some individuals are confused about iCloud and what exactly cloud computing is all about.

And, yes, there's data to support this widespread head-scratching over cloud computing. A new survey from the NPD Group finds that only 22% of consumers know what "cloud computing" means. Not withstanding the confusion, more than three-quarters of U.S. respondents in NPD's "Digital Software and the Cloud Report" admitted to using some type of Internet-based cloud service in the past 12 months (email, tax preparation, online gaming, etc.)

This information is bound to not settle well with Apple as the company plans to roll out its long await iCloud service this fall. Among myriad features, iCloud will automatically and wirelessly sync data from your ubiquitous iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch).

"Whether they understand the terminology or not, consumers are actually pretty savvy in their use of cloud-based applications," said Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis for NPD. "They might not always recognize they are performing activities in the cloud, yet they still rely on and use those services extensively. Even so, they are not yet ready to completely give up on traditional PC-based software applications."

Source: NPD

[whereswaldo]

I'd believe it, since I had to explain iCloud to my whole family yesterday

[feidhlim1986]

It's simple. Cloud = new buzz word for The Internet

[KiidTee]

Oh silly people i had to explain to this one girl who in my class by the way didnt even have an iPhone 4 her dad did said that it was 4G i said yea Dumb A** fourth generation and she even said that a employee at AT&T told them it was 4G this isn't the type of crowd apple supports fools. So i definitely believe it.

[SwatPac]

I get the feeling iCloud will follow the footsteps of MobileMe.

[boxxa]

I consult on the side for IT planning and cloud computing is one of the most confused technologies by businesses. Its on of the "I am not sure what it is but I know we need it" list that non tech staff say they need.

[rawrjoeynashomg]

I consult on the side for IT planning and cloud computing is one of the most confused technologies by businesses. Its on of the "I am not sure what it is but I know we need it" list that non tech staff say they need.

I lol'd. Still, i'd love streaming from apples icloud service. That'd be sick as f***.

[mustard05]

We live in a data hungry society. Cloud based services are the way of the future!

[seann33uk]

I get the feeling iCloud will follow the footsteps of MobileMe.

so... plod along quite happily with thousands of users for a few years before being upgraded and renamed?
Strange point to make but yeah, i agree.?