Apparently Microsoft is going to release a new OS(seperate of windows 7) very soon.
They didn't really give any details other then its name Windows Cloud. The term cloud means that majority of the processing is done on a server somewhere, normally a distant datacenter. So from the name
i am assuming it will consist of a "Cloud Server" and a "Cloud Client", the client will be a very stripped down OS with pretty much just a browser. The server will store all the files and be able to remotely install the client on any desktop.
So basically you will have very cheap pc's that have nothing but a web browser. And would use word-processing, email, etc. applications from the server much like how Google Documents/Spreadsheet works
Pros:
- Reduced number of System Administrators required to run an efficient business(Microsofts #1 "pushing factor" for Windows Server)
- All data would be stored in 1 centralized locations this means that not only would all data be able to be stored on a NAS where chance of data loss is minimal BUT if a worker leaves the company you don't have to backup all his files incase he did something "important"
- It would be very quick and easy installation on desktops you could get a whole company/school network running in about the time it takes you to hook up the pc's
- Microsoft doesn't really produce hardware so it doesn't make much money off of it. They could go into the hardware business with the "Cloud Clients" and make money off of both hardware and licensing
- Schools/Companys wouldn't have to worry about people playing games, etc off their computers as the computer simply wouldn't have enough power to do anything of that nature.
Cons:
- Security, if someone managed to get a sniffer on the network there is a chance they could get sensitive and important data.
- Better have the "Cloud Server" on a good backup machine, if it goes down majority of the people can't use their computer
- Network IO, the network probably would have to be 100% gigabit to be efficient
- Will reduce the amount of Sys Admin, however you may need a Network Admin which can be a bit more pricey.
Again this is only my thoughts of what the product will be from its name.