Computer servers need to gather steam

COMMUNICATION

As easy it is to fulminate on the year gone past, it's mighty tricky to stick your neck out on the big technology trends for the year ahead""notwithstanding that you are hardly going to accost me on a dark alley waving a copy of this piece. However, I will try and speak about a few lessons from 2007 and what 2008 could or should hold in store.

Worst Of 2007: Somewhere between an unmitigated disaster and an utter disappointment likes the Windows Vista. And I offer the second option because technically, Vista can be fixed. Users like me now dream of a little circle that goes round and round, so ingrained is the Vista start-up image in my consciousness.

The circle is Vista's way of saying, hang on, I am working "" remember the hour glass. Unfortunately Vista works more than you do, effectively adding computing time (10 per cent per session maybe) to any engagement with your PC or laptop.

Having used the Vista for almost half a year, I still fail to see what the flip side to the slow response time is. Maybe better security, I note that most downloaded updates are for that. Caveat: I speak as a business user, the last time I cribbed about Vista, most agreed but some took up for it, saying how it was a blessing in disguise, or words to that effect.

So, I would hope that Microsoft uses the first half of 2008 to fix the Vista in a manner in which business users like me make better use of my time. Which I would imagine is one of the first commandments of computing. In addition to whatever else they do in trying to fob off Apple, Google, Nintendo and a dozen governments in the developed and not so developed world.

Best Of 2007: The iPhone undoubtedly. I am not a Mac user, so I don't have a deep and meaningful relationship with Apple products "" in case you think I am a full-on Steve Jobs fan. I just think that the iPhone is one of the most thought-out innovations in design, interface and hardware-software integration in the mobile phone space.

For all those who kept talking about (including me) mobile computing being the next thing and all that, this is the first device that actually tells you how. Of course the iPhone's launch and availability has been marred by Apple's somewhat pigheaded approach to selling the phone "" by first restricting it to one service provider in the US and then in the UK. Not that its worked considering when I walk into a lounge bar in Mumbai, approximately half the tables seem to have an iPhone glinting somewhere.

The challenge for 2008 is for telecom networks and software companies to find more interesting ways to combine information and interface in a manner that truly works for you. An iPhone provides some of the most user friendly and accessible formats for looking up information on stocks, weather, maps and of course Google search and You Tube videos.

The trick is to find the stuff that works best in your region or even city. For that, manufacturers, telecom operators, software companies and content providers have to work together. Telecom operators for one will find that a little strange since they are used to quoting and making money off the 'pipe'. The challenge is equally for other mobile phone manufacturers to wake up and think beyond using multi mega pixel cameras and MP3 players.

Broadly, touch computing is the thing to watch out for. iPhone may have introduced the wide world to it but many, including Micrsoft, have big plans here. Touch computing could spark a fresh wave in new uses and users of computing. I know MS and gang are focusing on devices talking to each other as the next big thing. Sure, lets see the first real devices effectively and usefully do that and we will talk.

On Hold: Early in 2007, I wrote about Google Docs (then called writely). I made a somewhat brave prediction that the end of PC based computing was near. After all, if you could access word processing, mail or spreadsheet software (and your data in it) on the go then why would you load all the software on your computer. Moreover, why would you allow Microsoft to make more money by buying MS Office and other, similar, programs.

Much as I would have liked to see server computing gather momentum, I am not sure it has or will in a hurry. The power of Microsoft's applications (or perhaps their brand) has created considerable inertia to change. Coupled with the fact that in countries like India your networks are not the most dependable.

Bottomline, folks like me are not even thinking of getting rid of Outlook. Despite the fact that Vista has slowed it down. Actually, it's not just MS. Folks are equally tied down to IBM and Lotus Notes and the rest of their ilk. My feeling is that server computing still has potential but is more likely to drive mobile phones rather than desktops and laptops. If I am right about all of this, congratulate me at the address below. Else, do wait till next year.

govindrajethiraj@gmail.com