Cloud Computing Future 'Horrible': Apple Co-Founder

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak (Woz) sees trouble ahead for cloud computing. The legendary computer pioneer predicts that the idea will encounter "horrible problems" in coming years.

Wozniak, now 61 years old, founded Apple alongside Steve Jobs in the 1970s. Today he often publicly discusses his experiences at the iconic Cupertino, California-based company.

At a presentation following the Washington performance of the show "The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs," Wozniak voiced his opinion of today's "next big thing" -- the cloud. (Source: adelaidenow.com)

Cloud Computing Becoming a Very Popular Idea

For those not already familiar with the term, "cloud computing" refers to the online storage of information and provision of processing power, often to relatively small and cheap end-user devices.

Many software firms, including both Apple and Microsoft, have embraced the idea, since it gives users many important capabilities.

These include easy and quick data back up, availability of the same data on many different devices, and updated software without downloads and installation.

Apple offers its users iCloud. Google has developed Google Drive. Microsoft pushes its SkyDrive system. All three employ the same general ideas: users can have some storage space for free, and can get more by paying a set fee.

Wozniak "Really Worried About the Cloud"

It all sounds great to many people, but Apple's co-founder feels cloud computing is a system ripe for exploitation.

"I really worry about everything going to the cloud," Wozniak said. "I think it's going to be horrendous. I think there are going to be a lot of horrible problems in the next five years."

The major problem for Woz: cloud users are moving sensitive and private data that is stored on a hardware device they own to one that could potentially be accessed by hackers.

Furthermore, it's also possible the companies owning the cloud storage could access users' information for their advantage.

"With the cloud, you don't own anything," Wozniak said. "You already signed it away...I say the more we transfer everything onto the web, onto the cloud, the less we're going to have control over it." (Source: channelnewsasia.com)