With Steve Jobs unveiling iCloud, the new online storage and synchronization service, the big question in my mind was, what happens to my MobileMe a/c? Despite the media calling it a “failed service,” it served my needs very well.
Here are snippets of relevant information taken from the email I received from the MobileMe Team:
Available this fall, iCloud is free for iOS 5 and OS X Lion users.
Yaay! That means I have to upgrade to OS X Lion, which I would have done anyway. A bargain for $29!
Your MobileMe subscription will be automatically extended through June 30, 2012, at no additional charge. After that date, MobileMe will no longer be available.
So, at least for another year, I don’t have to worry about MobileMe disappearing.
When iCloud becomes available this fall, we will provide more details and instructions on how to make the move. In the meantime, we encourage you to learn more about iCloud.
Can’t wait! If you are thrilled, give a hoot!
But wait, (after talking to a Apple guy), apparently iCloud will NOT support web page-hosting and sharing picture galleries, currently available to MobileMe subscribers. No word on any replacement. Also, iCloud will only provide 5GB of space. Considering the SD card in my camera is 8GB, how useful is this? I’d be willing to pay for extra storage.
And more: what does this mean for the storage industry? Starting from sales for external hard disks to the online storage services like Box.net and DropBox? Oh Well, you have to break eggs to make omelettes.
Arun Shanbhag 
I am so behind…. what’s all this talk of clouds?! I keep thinking they are talking about weather… (ok…not that bad) …makes me curious!
Smitha,
You should check out the iCloud link in the post. It is cool. I have been using their MobileMe Services for a few years and would be lost without it.
I think this is central to the entire connected lifestyle.
Even at work we are going to a version of the Cloud!
::a::
Apple’s turn to be on Cloud now… Every other company either wants to be on Cloud or rent the Cloud. I wonder where this is going to lead.. Interesting development, keeping my fingers crossed to see where this would lead Apple to…
This seems kinda exciting! Just not sure how it will change my workflow.
The issues I have relate to security – what with the Chinese having a field day with Google.
Also, if ALL your material is on the cloud, then government agencies don’t even need to come in and take your computer, they just peep in your cloud! Aaaargh!
Its going to be interesting.
Arun