Does cloud computing only work in cloudy weather?

It would appear that a lot of people still don’t have a good grasp of exactly what cloud computing is. A national newspaper recently printed a wonderful story that illustrates this point perfectly.

A council meeting in Ireland descended into a slanging match when a Galway councillor suggested that cloud computing worked best in areas with heavy rainfall. He told an Infrastructure meeting that cloud computing would be perfect in Connemara because the area was covered in heavy cloud for three quarters of the year.

The Independent councillor went on to say that the Government should do more to support clean industries in Connemara and he cited cloud computing and wind energy as two obvious examples.

He explained that Connemara is open to the Atlantic and therefore feels the full brunt of the wind. Furthermore, the mountains mean that the region is covered in thick fog for a large part of the year. Having the ability to harness this cloud power would give tremendous scope for cloud computing to become a major employer in the region.

Although another Councillor branded him an idiot for making such a ridiculous suggestion, he was adamant asking why large companies are opening server farms in cold wet countries if cloud computing is not linked to cloud cover?

Unfortunately, this gem of a story turned out to be a hoax and has since been removed from the newspaper’s website. However, it does make one wonder whether we should be doing more to explain exactly how cloud computing works!