Cloud definitions cloud the issue

Competing definitions of the much-hyped concept of cloud computing are creating confusion in the IT industry, analyst firm Gartner said in advance of its annual Symposium/ITxpo next month, reports Network World.

Gartner defines cloud computing as "a style of computing where massively scalable IT-related capabilities are provided 'as a service' using Internet technologies to multiple external customers”.

But the phrase cloud computing “is being loosely applied and defined differently, and it's creating a lot of confusion in the market”, Gartner said.

Adobe Systems could soon join the ranks of frustrated technology companies building versions of their software for Apple's Jesus phone, says The Register.

Adobe has reportedly confirmed it's planning a version of the ubiquitous Flash player for use on Apple's iPhone that could be available "in a very short time".

Paul Betlem, Adobe's senior director of engineering, told the company's Flash on the Beach conference, in Brighton, that his team is building the player for the iPhone.

Apple's push to make the iPhone a desired device among the world's largest companies should receive a boost this week, thanks to IBM, according to The New York Times.

At long last, IBM has issued software which will bring the e-mail, calendar and contacts functions handled by its Lotus Notes software over to the iPhone.

Called iNotes Ultralite, the package will be free for anyone with a Lotus Notes licence, and, as of last check, IBM had moved about 140 million Lotus licences. Lotus Notes remains popular among corporations.

Microsoft CE Steve Ballmer said yesterday the global financial crisis will sap consumer and business spending, affecting all companies, including his own, reports Reuters.

"Financial issues are going to affect both business spending and consumer spending, and particularly... spending by the financial services industry," Ballmer told reporters on the sidelines of a news conference in Norway.

"We have a lot of business with the corporate sector, as well as with the consumer sector, and whatever happens economically will certainly affect Microsoft," he told Reuters.