Service-Based Computing

Interesting post from David Hornick regarding Service-Based Computing.

My response follows:

To: David Hornik, August Capital
Re: Walled Gardens At DemoMobile

My company is at the forefront of this Service-Based Computing, and was mentioned by Chris Shipley in her Op-ed to Network World Fusion.

I would like to clarify the difference between Service-Based computing and Web-Based services like Salesforce.com or Quickbooks Online. Web-based services move data between a central database and a browser. Yes, the power is at the core. Yes the data is safe, and accessible from any computer or network device. But web-based services have two limitations; they require a constant network connection and must be accessed through a browser. This platform will surely increase in popularity, but will not eliminate the need for software.

Service-based computing is different. It is a service that mobilizes the entire computing environment (data, software and application settings) for delivery over a network to any device. This computing environment is local to the client, but mirrored to a remote service center where it can be managed, archived and delivered as needed. It is not constrained by the limitations of the browser, nor limited by a need to be constantly connected to the network.

I expect a world where both models are prevalent; service-based computing and web-based services. What is important is that our personal computing environments (data & software) will soon be mobilized...no longer chained to a single computer or network device. Then we can concentrate on the next great opportunity in computing…the management and delivery of our digital assets!

Joel Allen is president of AllenPort Co., based in Princeton, NJ.

© 2005 Joel E. Allen. All rights reserved

Dynamic Models Demand Detachment

To: Tom Yager, Technical Director, InfoWorld Test Center
From: Joel Allen, Founder, AllenPort Co.

Re: Your article today http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/11/19/47OPcurve_1.html

I enjoyed your article.

Your comment "Nobody can be allowed to own anything" is interesting, and with regard to computer assets, I agree to an extent. The concept of being liberated from a single computer is old and new, and it must occur in order to accommodate our needs for mobility and security. However, I submit that there is still something that we will "own", and enjoy increased access and control over in the future; that is our digital assets (data, software and application settings).

If our digital assets are remotely mirrored, protected and delivered to any computer or network device, we have not lost ownership of our hardware. We have gained control over the most important assets on the computer...our personal computing environment.

I understand the benefits of web-based services. Companies like Salesforce.com have proven that is a viable business model for certain applications. However, the success of that web-based model ignores one basic fact of computing; power migrates to the periphery. As our computers and network devices become more powerful, what will we do with that surplus power? Do we really expect software to disappear, leaving web based services connected to increasingly powerful browser terminals?

There will surely be growth in the web services field. The power generated by a central service is undeniably valuable to many individuals and companies. But there will also be software. Software that resides at the periphery. Not encumbered by the browser or the need for a constant network connection.

Joel E. Allen