The ongoing battle between Microsoft and its sexier arch nemesis Apple is a well publicised one. A recent interview in The Daily Mail on June 11, 2011 with the usually publicity shy Bill Gates revealed the extent of Apple’s power. When asked if his kids were allowed to own an iPod he answered sharply “They have a Zune music player, which is a great Windows portable player. They are not deprived children.”
The iCloud Battle Brews in Silicon Valley
In recent years a new rivalry has been brewing between Apple and another of Silicon Valley’s son’s Google. Apple’s announcement that it too was launching a cloud service following in the footsteps of Amazon, Google and many others was branded as Silicon Valley’s “worst kept secret” though the media frenzy at the launch of the software during the Worldwide Developers Conference is testament to the excitement at Apple’s new arrival.
Cloud software is certainly not a new concept and Google’s web based cloud service has long been a staple of businesses around the world. So what sets Apple’s iCloud apart from Google Cloud? More importantly which of the two will eventually have the dominant market share?
Google’s Web Based Concept Versus Apple’s App Based Concept
Google Cloud with its web based concept allows users to access the majority of its services online via any device whether it’s your Android phone or a PC at your local library. Perhaps the cornerstone of Google Cloud is the ever popular Gmail and Google Docs, where documents can be created, edited and shared with other users.
Apple’s iCloud unveiling at the WWDC on June 6, 2011 revealed a more app-based cloud concept where multi media files including documents, music and photos could be automatically synced wirelessly between all your Apple devices. Once a document is created on a Mac for example, the file is wirelessly pushed to the other devices in mere seconds providing instant access to the document and therefore eliminating the need for tedious manual syncing.
In terms of which service will prove the most popular Apple’s iCloud, though in its infancy does appear to have a clear advantage. Apple users won’t be limited to iCloud and can actively choose to use Google Cloud although Android users do not have this option and will be unable to access iCloud services.
Will Apple’s iCloud be Another Flop Like MobileMe?
Given Apple’s initial and somewhat shaky foray into the world of cloud computing there is bound to be scepticism about the success of iCloud. Who could forget MobileMe, one of the very few blemishes on Steve Job’s formidable reputation? Pre-empting any criticism regarding his claim the iCloud “just works”, at the WWDC Jobs joked “Why should I believe them, they’re the ones that brought me MobileMe!”
Google Vs Apple- Who Will Be Crowned Victor?
A recent interview on CNBC with Tech Crunch Editor Jason Kincaid on June 9, 2011 goes someway in comparing two of the greatest brands spawned from the womb of San Francisco’s Silicon Valley. In it he says it’s difficult to brand one company cooler than the other though he noted the fanatical loyalty of Apple users does provide an indication of Apple’s level of fame and success.
Both companies have created significant inroads in the mobile storage industry and with the official release of Apple’s iCloud not due till autumn; the tech industry will have to wait with bated breath to see who eventually emerges the victor.
Sources
- How the Apple iCloud compares to Google's Cloud, Ryan Faas, June 8, 2011, Computer World
- Worldwide Developers Conference, June 6, 2011, Apple
- Microsoft's Bill Gates-A rare,remarkable interview with world's second richest man, Caroline Graham, June 11, 2011, Daily Mail
- iCloud compared to Google Cloud- Apps Vs Web Author unknown, June 13, 2011, Phones Review
- Google Vs Apple: The cool factor, Jason Kincaid, June 9, 2011
letitiah obiri - Letitiah Obiri is a freelance journalist and founding editor of Musiquebox, the definitive lifestyle and events website written by and for ...
