Cloud computing is one of the new buzzwords in the computer industry that has been floating around and gaining momentum as the latest and greatest form of computing.  If you do an internet search for the topic itself you’ll likely arrive at some confusing definitions that are often as nebulous as the name implies.  Some define the term as a means of linking computers and information online through a “cloud” of sorts.  Since the internet already operates like this, the definition has to have a few extra characteristics to set it apart. 

People who envision a world of cloud computing see applications and software becoming available online, and no longer see the need for a massive hard drive or processor to drive personal computers, it would all be done in real time online.  An almost infinite amount of information would be both stored and shared between computers all over the world.  This creates a need for new types of networking technology and fundamentally different approaches to the software and applications and the way data has been stored and shared since the inception of the internet.

Many people, including Bill Gates of Microsoft have indicated that cloud computing is the next step in computing and internet technology, and that a wave will sweep over the computing world once cloud computing becomes the accepted form of data storage and transfer.  This is good news for investors looking to speculate a little and try and buy into the next big internet bubble before it gets a real chance to form. 

There are many different companies that have begun to stake their claim in the cloud computing sector.  Some large, some small.  Google has been on the forefront of cloud computing ever since people have been talking about it and envisioning the benefits of such a system.  Right now could be a very good time to buy Google if you’re confident that cloud computing truly is the next wave in internet and computing functionality.

Another smart cloud computing bet is Elastra Corp., a San Francisco based cloud computing startup that is currently receiving financing to move forward with its ventures.  This company delivers IT infrastructure and support and has Amazon’s approval, having just received 12 million dollars worth of backing from the internet giant.  If Amazon is willing to take a bet on a company like Elastra, it’s a sure sign that something interesting is brewing in the cloud computing realm.  Some very top-tier venture capitalists and other individual investors have sunk millions into Elastra, betting that the company will be at the cutting edge of cloud computing development and infrastructure.

There are some really great speculative plays right now for those who believe in cloud computing technology.  Whether or not it has the ability to create another retch bubble is questionable, but the technology itself is certainly interesting.  Certainly there are many other companies that have taken on leadership roles in this sector, but Google and Elastra are at the top of the heap for now.