The future Internet will be in ... hard drive

Web services not only save data online but also synchronize with laptops, desktops and mobile phones. In parallel with the popularity of broadband connections, hard drives can completely replace remote Internet servers

Observer Thomas Vander Wal calls the service capable of saving files simultaneously on the network and in the device "personal information clouds". For example, if the user edits a photo on a mobile phone, the service will automatically upload the copy to the website. Conversely, when people edit files online, the system sends copies to the computer's hard drive.

Although the hard drive is currently unable to assume the role of web server, the sign of "data clouds" has begun to take shape. Sharpcast has just introduced a digital photo sync service, while Streamload is also deploying a system compatible with music and video files.

Internet, computers and mobile phones will be integrated as one.Photo: Sharpcast

" With Streamload's MediaMax service, I can invite other people to sync with my folder. Whenever I upload (upload) movies, my mother will receive a new notification. Similarly, the program will automatically download files to her computer , "explained Michael Corrales, Market Manager of Streamload.

Streamload allows users to store 25 GB and download 1 GB of free content. If paying an additional $ 4.95 / month, they will have a 100 GB virtual storage drive and are allowed to download 10 GB monthly. Similar services are Israeli BeInSync software and Microsoft's FolderShare.

Sharpcast's service is even simpler than that. After installing this company's software on computers and mobile phones, people can edit files in the device and those changes will immediately be updated on Sharpcast's website. " If you take photos with your phone, those photos will be transmitted to the web server and the office computer, even if you don't press any keys. The whole process is automated, " Gibu Thomas, Sharpcast's CEO, said.

However, many people are still not equipped with a broadband connection or DSL service at home. Wi-Fi hotspots are also not popular enough to help online laptops all day. This is hindering the synchronization process of "information clouds". In addition, hackers and cybercriminals will have their own tricks to exploit the weaknesses of shared networks, so people are reluctant to register these services.