Years ago, while at Microsoft, we talked, blogged, preached about Software plus Services (S+S). In fact, Microsoft has been talking about the cloud in the context of S+S for years. Microsoft vision has always been that the cloud can make software better in a complimentary architectural way. As apposed to Google’s vision of cloud which is all about the web and the browser. In fact, Apple’s vision of cloud is in total alignment with Microsoft’s with iCloud! Its S+S – but although Microsoft is right on with the S+S strategy, they have struggled to really demonstrate this strategy and its valuable implications. I totally agree with Pascal’s post on SAI – Apple’s iCloud is annoying to Google, and humiliating for Microsoft. Microsoft had it right for years and they are still struggling with implementation. Whether its phone + cloud, software + cloud, or just cloud.
Cloud is different for consumer experiences versus the enterprise. A platform company that has the right strategy, needs to implement that strategy differently for the consumer market, versus the enterprise market!
OK…I guess my head is not totally out of the clouds! 
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June 12, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Offbeatmammal
Hey John,
looks like we’ve been thinking the same thing as the announcements came in – http://post.offbeatmammal.com/to-the-cloud-doesnt-mean-everything-is-in-the – I’ve been playing with things like ChromeOS for a while, and though the browser centric works well for something like checking IMDB while sitting on the couch watching U istom loncu it’s not so good as an Exchange replacement.
Using the “Cloud” to provide synchronization of data and functionality and making sure it’s where the user needs it, when they need it is a much harder challenge… one MS should have done, one the Google is staying away from and one that Apple – with their controlled mono-culture ecosystem is very well positioned to do a good job of.
It’s going to be interesting to see how folks like Amazon (for consumer) and VMware (for business/virtualization) evolve their offerings…
June 12, 2011 at 5:58 pm
jcstame
Agree…good post my friend.
June 13, 2011 at 1:38 am
John F
You are probably right … the big question for me is will people struck with it and how much will they trust to it (iCloud)? I’ve tried to get aboard with Microsoft’s attempts (e.g., LiveMesh) but lack of cross platform support and just plain clunkiness always has me abandoning them. Apple’s advantage here is that this may really work well for those who live exclusively with Apple products.
February 17, 2012 at 4:51 am
jane cloud
Ok I hear that icloud is ms azure and a ton of IBM gear in Virginia…