Integrating the control of home cloud systems

Arguably the hottest new buzzword in information technology today, cloud computing is causing the first major revolution in the way computer services offered to the user since the advent of the personal computer. Cloud computing also referred to as Software as a Service (SAAS). It means that the user can gain access to software services via the Internet without the need to make expensive investments in servers or hardware infrastructure. The user would access software applications in the same manner as he currently accesses electricity or the telephone and pay for their use as a utility. Technically, the heavy load of the IT processing would shift to the provider and all the user would need is a personal computer to interface with the provider, possibly using an interface as simple as a Web browser. Currently, the most commonplace use of cloud computing is in e-mail services. Nothing is stored on your hard disk, and you merely use your personal computer to access services on the server of the provider. All the software and storage for your e-mail account are stored remotely sparing you the effort of configuration and maintaining all this on your personal computer. The interface with your e-mail provider is your Web browser. The term cloud refers to the Internet but the definition of cloud computing varies depending on who you are talking to. There are now a host of providers offering all kinds of services under the nomenclature cloud computing ranging from bits and pieces to fully integrated business solutions. However, it is not hard to foresee the day when a fully integrated cloud computing service is available for your house, which provides a completely integrated suite of home services that you may require whether it is entertainment or control systems for home use. The integrated control centre would be sited in several locations in the house probably your bathroom (as a part of bathroom accessories), your living room and your bedroom from where you could control delivery of any services provided.