Embedded Systems (are a great model) for future Cloud Computing UI design

Most all of us in the cloud computing arena are thinking the same thing when we see pads and tablets sitting on store shelves, 'these would make perfect user devices for cloud network connectivity', right? While it's true that tablets certainly fit the bill in terms of technological capability, visual aesthetics, size, and portability, they are still slightly mismatched (for use in the cloud). For one thing, they're still wildly overpowered for use in a cloud computing scenario. While it is certainly possible to simply remove components and functionality from an off-the-shelf tablet design, it would in the long run make very little sense to do so.

So what's the solution then? How about taking a closer look at embedded systems and seeing how they might be able to stack up to current cloud computing hardware requirements and specifications. First, let's examine what comprises an embedded system, and then take a look at why it might just be a perfect fit for the cloud.

The embedded system
As one might expect, embedded systems are not full service, complex and flexible devices; instead, they seek to accomplish a few things only. In other words, an embedded system is less a 'jack of all trades' and more of a specialist. This is of course great news for cloud computing designers, because they only require individual UI (user interface) terminals or ports to have limited power and do not need to burden each device. In fact, most embedded systems are designed in such a manner that they limited in terms of power and features, this is exactly what cloud practitioners / designers have been looking for. Obviously, in a cloud computing scenario, the power, flexibility and features all come from the cloud itself; individual UI devices are basically just monitors with added components that allow one to control the vast resources at their disposal.

Benefits of implementing embedded systems
Most embedded systems consist of either digital signal processors or microcontrollers attached to limited hardware and perform one or two tasks only. Smaller hardware requirements and device power considerations also translate directly into lower manufacturing cost, as well as maintenance and upkeep. Unlike devices like pads or tablets, cloud computing designers, engineers and gurus can actually construct embedded system devices according to the actual requirements of their proposed systems. That's right, cloud computing aficionados will finally be able to tailor their proposed UI devices 'around their clouds' rather than the other way around. Since most embedded system devices are limited in terms of required components needed for operation, they can also be easily miniaturized. This means even smaller casings and even larger screens. Add to this the fact that, the fewer parts a device contains, the more reliable it becomes, as well as the reality that embedded devices are much easier to mass produce than say a tablet, and you have a recipe for cloud computing success on your hands.

There are already companies manufacturing prepackaged boards, components, and hardware that is ready to be integrated into devices as we speak, it's simply a matter of putting the pieces together. The problem with a large scale migration to such a technology is two fold however. On one hand, you have a population that is not ready to give up their super powered PC's (with their own personal and local hard drives) just yet. Then of course you have the fact that there aren't companies out there that are even able to service the population with cloud computing. Currently, most instances of cloud computing are farmed out to businesses. This is mostly because businesses are the only organizations that can currently benefit from cloud networking. The private user of cloud services is mostly entrenched in entertainment right now, but cloud-like apps are also slowly making their way onto people's smart phones, pads and tablets as well. Sure, these apps are usually designed to do things like online storage or play music, but it's a sign that cloud technology is becoming more relevant to individual consumers. Embedded systems connected to a cloud network by comparison, would be extremely powerful and offer users many times the power of their most cherished tablet or PC, and to top it all off, might even be significantly cheaper to buy and own than these devices as well. At any rate, we are still several years (let's hope not a decade) away from seeing embedded system devices for clouds on store shelves, until then we can explore the other capabilities of cloud computing, who knows what we'll discover?