More on the Cloud.

Following up on my last post here are some more links to Cloud Computing in the news.

It seems that the view on whether this is the next big thing is a bit of a mixed bag.

Rough Type: Nicholas Carr's Blog: The cloud's not-so-silver lining

Cloud Computing: Hype vs. Reality - Network World

Rough Microsoft after Gates | After Bill | Economist.com- Network World

Cloud Computing Promise & Reality | AlwaysOn

Also, if you have a spare few minutes take part in this survey for MixcloudThe survey is basically for anyone who listens to music online. And if you're a DJ or create podcasts you can fill out this one too

From what I can work out the service is a bit similar to SoundCloud but is more based around DJ mixes. The site is founded by Nikhil Shah, who previously was part of the Songkick gang.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud is a platform for music professionals enabling them to send and receive music.

Where it differs from the likes of more established players like Rapidshare, Zshare, Sharebee etc. is that rather than acting as an FTP it allows users to have a music inbox, from which they can stream or download directly.

One of the pretty nifty collbaroation features is the option to leave a "timed comment" at a specific point in a track to give feedback to the creator. This creates enormous potential for people to make music together globally or to just get some handy A&R feedback.

One of my favourite music blogs Discobelle is currently accepting submissions with their SoundCloud drop box. Again, this brings to mind that SoundCloud is also a great way for music bloggers to accept submissions and manage content before posting.

The site is currently in private beta mode but I have ten invites to give away. Leave a comment or drop me an email ( nick@nicklevine.co.uk ) to get one.

Boo.com The Movie

Over the last few months I've been doing quite a lot of reading up on the .com bust. Probably the most high profile victim of the fallout was fashion retailer Boo.com, which got through something ridiculous like $150 million in six months. That's some burn rate.

Can you really blame the founders for living it up like rockstars when artless VC's were throwing silly money around?

Watch this commerorative video of the the company prior to launch. They had no idea of the rollercoaster set of events which was to occur subsequently.

Better Than The Van

I just got an email from Todd of Drummer Hunter

The site, which enables drummers to find bands and vice versa made a bit of a splash earlier in the year getting in the likes of Wired, The Independent, NME etc.

Todd's just launched another new site which helps touring bands find somewhere to stay by putting them in touch with people who will put them up on tour.

Check out Better Than The Van here

Perspectives On New Media And Health

It is with some excitement (and trepidation) that I can announce I have been asked to speak at the Perspectives On New Media And Health workshop.

The event takes place at The Internet Center at Imperial College William Penney Laboratory, South Kensington Campus.

Some peeps from Disney (who recently launched ukfamily.com)and Bernt Weisman (R&D Director from Vodafone, and my good friend Paul Nelsom (Phrisk.co.uk) will be speaking amonst others.