iPhone 3G Countdown has started a while ago… D-day -10!! Can’t wait already!!!

But what will the iPhone 3G bring you that’s really new??

Two of the (only) reasons to switch to the new iPhone 2nd Generation aka iPhone 3G is of course the 3G technology that delivers high speed internet connection but also A-GPS navigation.

With the iPhone 3G comes the firmware V2.0 for the iPhone which will bring you the MobileMe connectivity through the Cloud…

Now, what does that mean “The Cloud”. Well, it means that some of your personal data will be stored on a server but not just a server, a third party server.

See there is a difference between Thin Client (a server that you or your company owns and holding all the information and applications) and Cloud Computing.

Where I see this next iteration of .Mac as one of the major step Apple took in the recent years, I have to list a few down sides to Cloud Computing.

• Connectivity : Whether you are in a dead zone, in the middle of nowhere, with Cloud Computing without a connection, you become a sitting duck unable to perform anything.
• Trust : Since you give up most of your personal / professional data to the Cloud, you better trust who is behind this Cloud… And you better trust that in case of a merger, the new owner of the Cloud will respect your fundamental right to absolute privacy.
• Scalability : Having your application on a server is a wonderful thing. You never have to worry about software upgrade, getting the latest security patch, etc. The Cloud does it for you! On the other hand, you won’t have control on the upgrades either. Meaning that if you happen to have an old file with some vital data saved in an old format and if that format is no longer supported by the Cloud, you are in deep sh*t
• Control : Ultimately, you have to give up your right to control your data or at least expect not to be 100% in control of it anymore. One simple reason, you are not in charge of the Cloud… “They” are. I remember the day when computer were connected to a mainframe server and you could only get access to part of the server depending on your clearance. The IT Manager was in charge of the mainframe and let’s say one day he blows up a fuse and decide to act like God with this server, you are kinda screwed…

As long as you are aware of these few negative aspect of Cloud Computing, you are golden! It’ s an amazing technology and in 98% chances are you’ll be served well and will love it!

But in the meantime, what will happen to Apple 10-20 years from now when Steve steps down and a new CEO takes over?

Well, that’s the reason why you will want to keep an eye and your options open, just in case!

Personally, I can’t wait for it to happen, at least with Apple! Apple is a company that I trust, respect and know they’ll do me right no matter what. I know I might be wrong and that’s why I’ll never surrender 100% to them and to the technology.