Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Forrester: NSA Spying Could Cost Cloud $180B, But Probably Won't

Posted by samzenpus on from the chips-all-in dept.

itwbennett writes "Forrester's James Staten argues in a blog post that the U.S. cloud computing industry stands to lose as much as $180 billion, using the reasoning put forth by a well-circulated report from The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation that pegged potential losses closer to $35 billion. But Staten's real point is that when it comes down to it the cloud industry will likely not take much of a hit at all. Because as much as they voice their displeasure, turning back isn't really an option for businesses using the cloud."

5 of 136 comments (clear)

  1. "the cloud" is just mainframes again by Dan667 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    and all the problems of mainframes (like people spying on you) are being "rediscovered". The problems have not changed and no one will ever care about your data as much as you do.

    1. Re:"the cloud" is just mainframes again by Samantha+Wright · · Score: 5, Funny

      So is this your way of saying you wouldn't be interested in a mini-cloud in every university department and medium-sized business, or perhaps a personal cloud you could run at home? What about a mobile cloud to put in your pocket? Admittedly, they'll be rather bulky and brick-like at first, but some day they might be as compact and lightweight as, say, a deck of cards or a pocket notebook.

      --
      Bio questions? Ask me to start a Q&A journal. Computer analogies available for most topics!
    2. Re: "the cloud" is just mainframes again by crdotson · · Score: 5, Funny

      If by "mainframe" you mean, "it's the 1980s and I use the term 'mainframe' for any vague computer concept I don't understand," then, sure. :)

  2. Open Source Failure by buswolley · · Score: 5, Insightful
    My information is my private property.

    Why isn't there a "simple" host your own "data manager" for people that will be their "email, social, storage server"?

    If opensource had a cause, that should be it,

    --

    A Good Troll is better than a Bad Human.

  3. Re:Facinating... by profplump · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The harm caused by exposing these programs isn't a result of their exposure -- the programs are harmful in their own right, whether or not they are exposed.

    Essentially you're arguing that if Warren Buffet murdered someone the government would be justified in keeping it a secret because exposing his crime would disrupt his economic contributions.