Computing in a RBE

So, after yesterdays blog, exploring crowdsourcing as the method of problem solving in a RBE, the topic of interface arises.  By interface i mean the user interface that would be required in order to retrieve the latest problem that needed solving, the platform on which we would be able to work on that problem, and then eventually upload the solution back into the system.  At first glance this seems to be a problem in a RBE because nobody owns any property.  So what do we do about personal computers, your programs, your files, do they not belong to you anymore? In order to think about this problem we have to remove our notions that our computing ability lies in some form of property, when in fact, it is all software driven.

This brings me to my second web 2.0 term of the week, cloudcomputing.  Simply put, cloud computing uses 100% web app based operating systems (OS), web applications, and internet based processing power.  Cloudcomputing can be compared to todays energy grid.  You can plug in an appliance anywhere there is an outlet, and voila, it turns on!  Cloudcomputing is exactly the same.  You can log into your desktop from any machine with a browser and operate it as if it was your very own desktop sitting at home.  However, the OS, the applications, and the file storage is all virtual.  This, is in fact, how we live the majority of our lives today. You may not have realized it because it crept up on us without any warning.  Cheers to cloudcomputing, another important step towards a RBE.