An IT Minute

David Chappell a consultant for Microsoft and the principal of David Chappell and Associates has released a whitepaper entitled, "A Short Introduction to Cloud Platforms" in which he does a great job of defining, analyzing and explaining this new computing strategy.

This paper has the following categories of discussion:

Defining Terms
Examining Cloud Platforms
Cloud Infrastructure Services
Cloud

AT&T recently announced the creation of "Connectech" which they claim to be their premium in-home service available 7 days a week to tackle any pc and home theater problems you may have.

Here's a menu of services listed in their press release:

New PC installation and the start up of a home desktop or notebook
PC repair service, including parts and hardware replacement
Home network installation

Microsoft responds with a resounding yes.  The latest creation from Microsoft's Live labs called photosynth.

Here are the requirements to utilize this software:

• Must have windows xp or Vista
• Must have broaband connection to the internet
• Must download a plugin and a piece of software on the desktop

The technology will be showcased on MSN.com and feature synths of popular destinations and events. 

Circuit City recently announced they are going to empower their sales associates with mobile tablet devices that will enhance the sales process for the consumer and the store.

 The idea is that when you as a consumer have a question regarding the product in question these devices will be able to give you complete intelligence regarding availability, pricing so that an informed decision is made

Cloud computing is in the news a lot lately: AT&T,  Amazon, IBM, etc have invested heavily in this technology. 

Here's a definition:

As customers generally do not own the infrastructure, they are merely accessing or renting, they can forego capital expenditure and consume resources as a service, paying instead for what they use. Many cloud computing offerings have adopted the utility computing

There has been a lot of coverage in the media about the new search engine Cuil developed by ex-employees of Google. 

 Google does a better job of presenting results to queries then this engine at the moment, however, given time I think Cuil will surprise a lot of non believers out there.

According to the about page on cuil.com:

"Rather than rely on superficial popularity metrics, Cuil searches for