What Dropbox can teach us about cloud computing

Dropbox is the most deceptively simple of services. Place a Dropbox folder on each computer or gadget you own. Drag any file into that folder. A copy of that file automatically appears on every device where you put a Dropbox folder. It's idiot proof. But don't let that simplicity fool you. Dropbox also epitomizes a revolutionary shift that is transforming our relationship to technology and turning the technology industry upside down: Cloud computing. The "cloud" has been one of Silicon Valley's biggest buzz phrases for a couple of years now. In the past year, it's moved from the talk of tech insiders into the minds of mainstream users thanks to the launch of services like Apple's iCloud.