So many computing models, so little time

Grazed from ComputerWorld. Author: Joanie Wexler.

It’s funny how computing and networking trends fall in and out of style cyclically. The patterns are reminiscent of home furnishings and fashion, except that with computer networking, it won’t do you much good to hold on to the old stuff and bank on being able to use it when it becomes faddish the next time. It’ll be too slow, too big, too insecure, too clunky, too something. But the concept behind it might persevere into another era.

This is a roundabout way of pointing out that distributed computing, which became the “in” thing when PCs hit the scene, is likely on its way out. Will it be forever? Who knows, because for most of us mere mortals, it’s impossible to imagine what the future holds. But what we do know is that some trends with virtualization, cloud computing, and wearable gadgets are changing up again where the brunt of computer processing resides…

For example, most of us know about server virtualization using hypervisor software and its many benefits, including reducing corporate data center space requirements. What we haven’t seen so much of – yet – is desktop virtualization (virtual desktop infrastructure, or VDI) and smart phone virtualization. Both are potential answers to all the security work and worry that’s going on with mobile employees…

Read more from the source @ http://blogs.computerworld.com/mobilewireless/22617/so-many-computing-models-so-little-time