Digital Media Buzz > Mobile Cloud Computing Bypasses Carrier Control

Mobile Cloud Computing Bypasses Carrier Control

By Contel Bradford

Mobile devices have become a common fixture in today’s fast-paced world. The advancements in cell phones, PDAs and lighter laptops mean that important data no longer has to be left behind at home or in the office. While the mobile world is certainly no stranger to the Internet, the concept of cloud computing promises to help these devices reach a new plateau of web access.

Cloud computing is arguably the most widely discussed topic among the Internet community and due to its prevalence and proven benefits, it seems only natural that the concept would mesh with mobile devices to enable on-the-go functionality like we have never witnessed before. Several IT experts are projecting that mobile cloud computing will be the wave of the future, but there are many signs that let you know the revolution is already in full swing. Although a large majority of mobile devices process and store data for apps on the hardware itself, big name players such as Microsoft, Apple, Google, Nokia and Palm have all recently introduced applications that run directly on the cloud. If this is any indication, mobile cloud computing might come sooner than some expect.

One organization riding high on the inevitable explosion of the cloud is research firm ABI Research, which predicts that the market will bring in more than $20 billion in revenues over the next five years. This projection was made in the recent ABI report aptly titled, “Mobile Cloud Computing.” Mark Beccue, senior analyst for the company, believes that hardware aspects such as disk fragmentation and memory hinder the advanced features developers can incorporate into mobile applications. His theory is that the cloud will free up processors for mobile devices while allowing developers to create a single version of their app. “Cloud computing will bring unprecedented sophistication to mobile applications,” Beccue says. “To mention just a few examples, business users will benefit from collaboration and data sharing apps. Personal users will gain from remote access apps allowing them to monitor home security systems, PCs or DVRs, and from social networking mashups that let them share photos and video or incorporate their phone address books and calendars.”

Roger Entner, analyst at Nielsen IAG, shares ABI’s opinion regarding the eventual dominance of mobile cloud computing. “Cloud computing is going to accelerate. It’s a no brainer,” he says. “The stronger the wireless networks become and the more ubiquitous they become, the easier it is to put things on the cloud,” he tells Reuters.

The Potential Power of Mobile Cloud Apps
The strong positions of ABI and Nielsen IAG can be attributed to two key factors. First and foremost, the cloud has already demonstrated its ability to extend far beyond the reach of the mobile device user population alone. The second factor is associated with the manner in which apps are currently deployed and distributed. Regardless of who created the software, the actual application is typically locked in with a certain carrier or manufacturer. So if you want the Zook Search app developed by Ziva Software, you would need to acquire service from the mobile provider who carries the particular phone it is designed for. This is where mobile cloud computing comes in. Instead of being tied in to a carrier, all you need is an Internet connection and access to the web to use the application as the cloud promises a much greater range of compatibility. With the developer community rapidly expanding and the emergence of so many open-source initiatives, the potential for cloud-based mobile apps is virtually endless.

If the expert opinions of ABI mean anything, we should notice a significant shift toward mobile cloud apps by next year, and even more advancements by 2011. The key year is 2014, as ABI estimates that the development of mobile cloud applications will be prominent in several major markets by this time. It will be intriguing to see how manufacturers embrace the revolution in regard to hardware design and their existing lines of built-in applications as well.

Contel Bradford is a professional freelance writer who produces Web content to help numerous clients achieve optimization and organic search engine rankings. You can learn more about his freelance writing services www.contelbradford.com.