Cloud Computing — Taking Smart Cities by Storm
Cities are about to get a whole lot smarter. How smart? With the advent of cloud computing, the possibilities are endless. By using a network of remote services to process, manage and store data, it will be possible to take the billions of bits of data that are being generated every day and apply them to the smooth operation of the city.
Waste collection, traffic management and environmental protection can all be enhanced. Cloud computing can help determine the fastest routes and how to best optimize them. If the city knows where everyone is travelling, they can make better decisions about maintenance, road closures, and where to build next. Pollution sensors can be set up to tell city officials where the most polluted areas are and how to fix them.
How is this different from cell phones that show us the fastest traffic routes? The difference is that all parts of the city- government, business- will be able to communicate and understand how one influences the other. For instance, traffic congestion is a primary source of pollution therefore it makes sense that clean up efforts would involve both agencies of the government.
Does this sound scary, like Big Brother is watching? Think of it like a strip mall. A strip mall has a number of businesses like pizzerias, dry cleaners and electronics stores. None are in competition but all attract and bring customers to each other. Smart cities using cloud technology operate under the same principles by allowing each part of the city to work with and for the benefit of the others.
