I don't think this is really showcasing the dangers of the cloud, but rather the dangers of companies not knowing what the fuck they're doing.

Or the dangers of companies not allowing you to easily export/backup your data.

While this is true in principle, this is a bit of a Google talking point that has more PR cachet than practical implications.

Giving users the ability to make backups of their data certainly does not mean they will actually do so. How many Gmail users actually keep full backups of their email (using POP or IMAP or whatever)? And if Gmail had a case of massive data loss tomorrow, do you really think saying "well, you could've made a backup just fine" would have somehow made everything okay?

I don't deny that this sort of data loss is pretty awful, but "data liberation" is not the solution.

The reluctance of some people to back up their online data is a testament to the general dependability of online services. More screwups like this one, or like Magnolia recently, can only serve to scare folks from "the cloud", or teach them to back it up.

Uh,

"Data Liberation", as in educated users, is the solution.

You back up your data because no cares as much about your data as you do (repeat...). It's like basic hygene. In the future, few people will be actual computer experts but everyone will know a few things. Backing up data will be one of them. A large enough density of people who understand this will mean those who will lack excuses - see main story!

I back up my Gmail by forwarding it to other providers (Yahoo, Comcast). If Gmail fails and loses all my data, it's in my comcast and yahoo account. If they both fail then ok Im screwed, but the Internet I hope would have to melt down if all three of these systems failed simultaneously.

I'm not sure how much is a tech feature or un-walled policy would solve the problem. I think it would fractionally minimize it. The current psychological barrier -- people not using a phone as a computer and its imperfections is profound.

Before, if a phone didn't work, it was one of a few things, usually the device or the carrier. Now, it's one of a dozen dozen or more products and services. People couldn't export before. They might be able to now.

A friend of mine once noted the subtle difference between how technology can protect you from failure, but a backup can help protect you from yourself.

It feels like we're moving towards a singularity. Expectations, responsibility and technology.

That doesn't apply to Danger/Sidekick. I had one 4years ago and synced regularly on PC and Mac.

One nice thing of having your data on the server instead of on-device is that any syncing can happen between the server and your desktop, without even the need for USB cables.

When everything is in the 'cloud', how do you know the difference?

Yes and these companies who don't know what the fuck they are doing make up the clouds we use everyday, so the cloud ends up being a hazy fog of data uncertainty instead.

What I meant was exactly what btn said. Fucked up companies are behind the clouds, so this does show the dangers of the cloud.