To the Cloud

Big Data in a Turbulent World

This exploration of one of the most significant modern technological developments is both provocative and informative.

“Cloud computing” is one of those technological buzzwords that has entered mainstream consciousness. Not surprisingly, writes Vincent Mosco in To the Cloud, it has been widely adopted and promoted by industry giants in their individual efforts to dominate the playing field. But Mosco goes well beyond technology in this exploration of cloud computing that also addresses “its political, economic, social, and cultural significance.”

Mosco begins by pointing out that “there is no generally accepted definition of cloud computing,” but he offers a technical yet easy-to-understand explanation of what cloud computing typically includes. Interestingly, and perhaps to the surprise of some readers, he acknowledges that it is Amazon that, through its division Amazon Web Services, has taken the lead position in US cloud computing. After an authoritative discussion of the nature of cloud computing and providers such as Amazon, Google, IBM, and Microsoft, Mosco discusses the global influence of cloud computing. He follows this with a fascinating chapter delving into the manner in which the concept of cloud computing has been marketed by technology companies and research firms alike.

In two of the most provocative chapters, “Dark Clouds” and “Big Data and Cloud Culture,” Mosco authoritatively covers privacy and security concerns of cloud computing. He also talks at length about the NSA’s use of big data, a timely topic that leverages recent headlines. At the same time, Mosco deftly stretches the scope of the book by observing the world of “cloud culture.” He takes the reader on a fanciful tour of some of the ways clouds have been interpreted over thousands of years, from Aristophanes’s The Clouds, a play first performed in 423 BC, to David Mitchell’s novel Cloud Atlas. While this is a significant departure from cloud computing itself (and may be a bit extraneous), Mosco’s point is that the “cloud” has a rich and deep history.

As Mosco concludes, “The cloud is an enormously powerful metaphor, arguably the most important developed in the short history of the IT world.” In To the Cloud, he has done a fine job of validating this statement. His exploration of cloud computing is technically grounded and also offers important insight into the extended influence cloud computing has already had, and could have on generations to come.

Reviewed by Barry Silverstein

Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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