Cloud computing is not going to stop here! So I think it will be better to look at it little bit more. In fact, the cloud computing is a technology of data processing, in which software is made available to the user as an internet service.

Cloud computing comes in two flavors, public and private.  In public cloud, companies draw IT resources from third party data centers, which would be available for other companies as well. In private cloud, companies modernize their own data centers to make IT resources more easily sharable between employees.

Time to time you are going to hear from our IT colleagues the words SaaS, PaaS etc. so , let us have a look at it. Everything related to Cloud Computing, commonly referred to as word “aaS” that stands just – “as a service”

Cloud computing is a four concepts combination:

• SaaS (Software As A Service) : or applications as services. The company has no ability or desire to host your internal Exchange-server for email, calendars, etc. And it could buy it remotely, taking into account all relevant circumstances. Do you use Google Docs? This is a SaaS, comes for free.

• PaaS (Platform As A Service): unlike SaaS, designed more for the end user, the option for developers. In the cloud operates a set of programs, basic services and libraries, on the basis of which are encouraged to develop their own applications.

• IaaS (Infrastructure As A Service): it is considered that the term has replaced HaaS (it was one of the first terms – Hardware as a service), lifting it to new levels. For example – this is virtualization, load balancers and similar systems that underlie the construction of other systems.

• dSaaS (Data Storage As A Service): As it says data storage as a service and provides remote storage with backup application that automatically copies data into public cloud for storage.

Nowadays we are hearing a lot about cloud computing. As usual our techno experts will discuss about it in a very complicate manner. We ordinary users will become more skeptical on cloud computing. In this scenario, I thought to look at cloud computing in the perspective of an ordinary user. The technology is changing and the “meaning of cloud computing” is still a subject for hot debate and we don’t know what cloud computing really means. We will just leave it for the IT experts. However, let us also enter to the cloud to understand about it. Once again, please note that I am looking at it as an ordinary user only and I am not a cloud strategy consultant. Therefore, please correct it if there is a mistake instead of criticizing.

So, what is cloud computing? To drink milk, you wouldn’t try to buy a cow or start a dairy. A simple example of cloud computing is Yahoo email or Gmail etc. You don’t need software or a server to use them. We just need an internet connection and we can start sending emails. Cloud computing is a technology that uses the internet and central remote servers to maintain data and applications. Cloud computing allows consumers and businesses to use applications without installation and access their personal files at any computer with internet access. Cloud computing allows for much more efficient computing by centralizing storage, memory, processing and bandwidth.

There are couples of companies providing cloud computing services. Google is one of them and they are having powerful, intuitive applications: Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs and more can help reduce your IT costs.

Microsoft office 365 brings together cloud versions of their most trusted communications and collaboration products with the latest version of their desktop suite for businesses of all sizes. However, these services are not free.

So, let us look at a free service where applications are not available, but we can synchronize our files from office, home or during travel by using any devices like desktop, laptop, tablets or smartphone. Sugarsync will provide 5GB free space for online backup, file sync and sharing service makes it easy to stay connected.  With SugarSync you get secure cloud storage for all your files — documents, music, photos, and videos. In order to sign up, please click on this link (https://www.sugarsync.com/referral?rf=fkjt9ideing6y) for 5GB free storage and 500MB bonus.

Unemployment is not a problem and it will no longer be anissue. There are lots of jobs available every corner of the world. There is nolacking for the educated youngsters too. Lot of Engineers, MBA holders, ScienceGraduates is available. But skilled workers who is willing to do hard work withdedication, it is still difficult to find. And when there are too many productsin comparison with needs (when the supply is greater than the demand), thequality will be less…it is natural. Beside that many companies are implementingnew technology in the offices where make people work in the place of machines.The usage of brain is minimized!!!

Some people might say: “Well, when we are unemployed,we have no money!”. So, it is not because they are unemployed that they are complaining; it is because they do not have enough money to live or enjoy.People should therefore not say that it is unemployment that is the problem, but the lack of money. Even you are employed and not making enough money, still the problem is there. Where to find the money? It is everywhere…If you are capable to give an offer to any business person; he will not dare to refuse you. If you sit and think that you can’t change your life, but people around you can change your life…it will not work. You have to work hard and change your life. Grab the opportunity. Think creatively and submit your offer to right person. You can change your life…. 

Bad news is for iPhone sellers / unlocking specialists in Saudi Arabia. Until now the iPhone has been available only on the parallel market, with buyers having to pay 40-100% more. Also there are several technicians used to charge USD 100 for unlocking the iPhone. It is really unfortunate that these technicians are not going to make this extra money anymore. Many expatriates have bought an unlocked iPhone for show self-pride and using it an ordinary phone as it is not through any service provider. Now Etisalat (Mobily) announced its deal with Apple and Apple's iPhone 3G is expected to be available in two largest Arab economies from February 15. Etisalat will be launching only the latest version. If you are in UAE and Saudi Arabia and have bought an unlocked iPhone then the good news is that you can avail of the services as it supports the consumers who have purchased previous versions of iPhone. Both post-paid and prepaid subscribers will be able to use the product and voice, data and SMS services will be available.

In Saudi Arabia, the parallel market of selling iPhone or any new technology was encouraged by the authorities even though not deliberately by preventing the legal import of these items in first phase. In past, all the new technologies was available in parallel market like Bluetooth telephone, Camera telephone, Satellite Receivers before it becomes formally available in the market. This is happening because the authorities hesitation to accept the new technologies in the first phase like their counterparts in the other part of the world. The counterfeiting business in the Kingdom is always  rocketed. You can find fake products openly on the streets. Do you want a Rolex? Do you want a pirated copy of Software? Do you want any computer peripherals or other Gadgets?  No problem. It is available. Some consumers buy fakes because they are cheap, but others buy that what they think are originals. Traders are clearly manipulating and misguiding consumers as they can increase profits. I was searching about the fake trade in Saudi Arabia and noticed that fake trade range from between 4 billion - 13 billion riyals a year. I wonder how the fake goods are entering in Saudi Arabia when a honest trader who wants to import genuine goods legally facing lot of clearance trouble in customs. Recently we faced a trouble with the clearance of one of our shipment as our original imported goods power cycle was 50Hz and the customs wants to return it to the origin as Saudi Arabia is using the power cycle 60Hz. In fact, it is so simple to rectify the problem by changing the motor and the item was just 5% of  part of big shipment . We have informed our clearance agent to inform the customs to return it or confiscate it. The strict measure of importing the goods are available in Saudi Arabia, how the fake goods are entering the market? Guess how!!!

The cost of Indian launch vehicles are currently lower by 20-30 percent compared to International prices. Now India is developing a new generation rocket that would cut satellite launch cost by half according to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) Chairman. India has a reputation for creating inexpensive technologies and proved it last year. Indian rocket launched a record 10 satellites into orbit in a single mission on April 2008 and India's first attempt to send a probe to the Moon's surface from its spacecraft orbiting the Moon was successful couple of months ago. I am proud of my country. The immediate benefit of these things are not available for ordinary citizens of India, but it will be helpful for the coming generation and a good motivation for the science studies. 

Today Indian Union Minister for Human Resources Development unveiled the "WORLD'S CHEAPEST E-LAPTOP". It developed in India by several organisations, such as the University Grants Commission, the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. As the officials claimed, this e-laptop will be priced at around $10-$20. It has 2GB onboard memory with wireless Internet connectivity. It is a low power consuming gadget and aimed mainly for the students, especially in the rural areas. The project has already created a buzz in the laptop industry across the world. Indians are always good in giving hope. Since 2005 Intel is trying to launch a laptop targeted to cost only $100 and in the beginning of 2008 Intel dropped the idea. Finally the XO, created by scientist Nicholas Negroponte and MIT Media Lab was originally targeted to cost only $100 but by the time it was ready to enter the market its cost went up to $188. The classmate notebook PC from Intel was priced at $ 300 a piece. Taiwan's Eee PC costs as little as $200 and it is the only one I have seen in the market so far. It seems to be it is an unrealistic announcement made today by the Union Minister. You cannot even make a computer screen for $20.  Today I bought a Microsoft Optical Mouse for SR 80 ($22). It is well known that India does not build much computer hardware, but good in producing software developers (lot of them are still looking for job).

Last year we have seen the launch of the $2,000  "people's car" by TATA. Trend setting and sparking is Indians speciality. The launch of the small wonder "NANO" is still away from reality. Even it will launch later this year, don't expect a $2000 price tag on it. Tata Motors posted a loss of 2.63 billion rupees in the December quarter. The bottom line is low cost inventions are very attractive. But don't use it for publicity...Make it real and useful for the public...We want practical inventions that is useful for the so called middle/low class people. On the contrary, future announcement of Indian inventions will be considered as just a joke and will be published in blogs humour category.

Another western movie on stereotypical portrayal of India with slums, poverty and communalism. Yesterday I got a chance to watch SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. I somewhat agree with the dark side of India, which can not be denied. My motivation to watch this movie is that whenever I am browsing through Internet, ultimately ending with a review or award details or controversies of Slumdog Millionaire. This movie is based on Vikas Swarup's debut novel Q and A and directed by  Danny Boyle (British Director). It seems to be Indian directors missed out this novel as most of them are not good readers. It will be easy for them to make movie by watching an English DVD and remake it than reading.I enjoyed the movie except  Jamal (the main character's child version) is jumping into shit. That is pathetic and disgusting shot. The story of Slumdog Millionaire portraits how did Jamal Malik, and 18 year old orphan from the Mumbai slums, with a criminal history and practically no education, make it all the way to the final round of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

The story is developing when Jamal is arrested and interrogated by police. During the interrogation, he explains how he learned the answer to each question on the mean streets, a bit of narrative structuring that divides the story of his life into small chapters. Salim, Latika, Jamal and all other characters (Jamal's mother's murder during anti-Muslim riot, Sinister Maman who transforms Jamal, his brother Salim and their friend Latika into professional beggars)  are gradually will stuck in the mind of the movie watchers. Danny Boyle really look at the backyard of Mumbai which deliberately missed out by Indian directors. Jamal's growing love for the beautiful Latika reminded Hindi movies. But it was nice. Anyway, wait till 22 February 2009 as Academy awards will be announced where Slumdog Millionaire is nominated for 10 Academy Awards (Oscar). Now there are lot of controversies over this movie in India and once the awards will be announced they are going to forget everything and going to celebrate it.

Apart from the stars, it's adorable child artistes of Slumdog Millionaire who have caught everyone's attention. The life for litttle Latika and Salim played by Rubina Quereshi and Azhar respectively is almost the same as on it. They live along the railway tracks in Bandra with the hope of once they can be a millionaire too. Conclusion: DON'T MISS IT...WATCH THE MOVIE..

Racism is there in every part of the world especially the countries where many expatriates are working. Usually the practice of racism  is by the citizens to the expatriates. Couple of weeks ago Saudi Labour Minister Ghazi Al-Ghosaibi has warned against growing racism among Saudis towards the millions of foreign workers in the Kingdom. "Regrettably, we have become overwhelmed by arrogance and even racism, and we have begun to imagine that we are better than those who have come to share in shouldering the burden of development," he said. "We should not be arrogant or racist towards those who came to serve us in our homes after we used to do everything ourselves".

From my experience here in Saudi Arabia, I have noticed the racism and arrogance is not limited to Saudis towards Expatriates. The practice of racism from expatriates to Saudis also there. And you will find the practice of racism also among the Indians, Jordanians, Palestinians, Egyptians, Sudanese, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Westerners etc. It is really a difficult part of the expatriate life to cope with it in the workplace and in accommodations. Some of the western compounds you can find a category called TCN (Third Country National). All are human being and I don't know why there are categories like TCN, Arabs and Westerners etc. Even the small company management will do the same discrimination.  Many companies will receive the Asians to the company accommodation with a broken bed, malfunctioning air condition from the yard and the same time they welcome the other Asian Arab country personal with brand new bed, car, air condition, television etc and the initial days stay at star hotels till they set down. These comments are not against the expatriates those who are coming this country to work. It is about the company management, they start treating different nationalities in different way even though they do the same job. Psychological problem of superiority is starting from this point and gradually they start thinking they are culturally superior to others. If the companies will stop discrimination among the employees, a good part of the racist thinking among the expatriates can be eliminated. My request to all the expatriates workers (regardless to any nationalities) to forget discrimination if it is embedded in your culture. Once you are in Saudi Arabia, try to understand others and respect them. Give and take. If you see any discriminative behaviour from any of your colleague, just convince your mind that they are too ignorant to know they are being prejudiced or they are brought up in this environment where the practice of ‘racism’ is considered as normal ‘behaviour’. Forgive them. Anyway, they are minority. I hope once Saudi Arabia will race a law to prevent the expatriates from being discriminated from anybody whatever his nationality, position, colour, seniority, etc. We all know that discrimination is not right especially management of the companies brushing it aside and promoting. Shame.

Let me conclude this post with a story. One of my friend is discussed other day about his planning to buy an Hummer. He is an Indian business man. I joked him that it is not necessary to buy such expensive car to attract women. From his experience, he told me that car is not a matter. So far you are an Indian and driving an expensive car others will think that you are house driver. He used to buy parcel food from one of the fast food outlets in Riyadh regularly and the Lebanese/Turkish delivery boy was always giving some extra fruit juice to him. He couldn't guess the reason of this extra juice till he queried him with little smile about  his work experience as house driver.

It would be great to have no negative thoughts, and living the wonderful life you've always dreamed with full freedom. There are negative thoughts will come to our mind very often. Everyone has great lives. We have to appreciate the little things that we do have. In this world, lot of people are living in depressive mood and suppressed by muscle power and living under siege. Many of them are still in this 21st century fighting for their freedom. I thought to start this blog post by writing about Indian Republic Day without any negative thoughts. But a news in TV forced me to change my mind and negative thoughts came in. A Group of Hindu moral policing (a self-styled pro-Hindu moral brigade called Sri Rama Sena) are chased, beaten up and molested girls in Mangalore (an Indian city located in Karnataka state). The reason for this attack is that these young girls are "violating traditional Indian norms". It is really funny. Men can go to pub and have alcoholic drink in Indian republic and women are not allowed to do so. Talibanism in India? India is esteemed the world over for its rich and diverse ethnic, linguistic, cultural and religious characteristics. Its unique Constitution upholds secular ethos and guarantees equal rights to all religious communities. Liberty and equality are the pillars of Indian Constitution. Is it only for men? I don't think so, all these are applicable to women too. All human being are created by GOD with brain and they can think. Let them choose their own path regardless of their gender... Harmonious living together is the hallmark of the spiritual and cultural heritage of INDIA and it is the one of the best quality of fully functional democracy. Anyway, these are minor incidents and hope the authorities will take necessary action.

26th January 1950 is one of the most important days in Indian history. The Republic day of India is to mark the adoption of the Constitution of Indian and the transition of India from British Dominion to a republic. Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, the Constitution came into effect only on January 26, 1950 and this is celebrated as the Republic Day. There are numerous freedom fighters who fought for and sacrificed their lives for the independence of India. This year the Republic Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm all over the country as especially it is coming after a disastrous terrorist attack in Mumbai. The patriotic fever of the people is much higher than before now. On this occasion, wishing you all Indians, a happy republic day!!!

In order to discourage smoking, Saudi Arabian Health Minister Hamad Al-Manie said yesterday that smokers in the Kingdom will have to pay an increased premium for their health insurance policies.

Statistics from national records reveal that number of smokers in Saudi Arabia has dramatically increased. The Kingdom tops the list of tobacco importers as Saudi Arabia has strictly banned the local production of tobacco, and will continue to ban it in the future. I wonder, what is preventing Saudi Arabia to ban the import of all tobacco products? Saudi Arabia completely bans the production, importation or consumption of alcohol and imposes strict penalties on those violating the ban including imprisonment, and possible lashes and the expatriates, deportation too. Anyway, it will take 30-45 minutes to drive across the Causeway to Bahrain for alcohol. This opportunity is using by the Saudis and Expatriates those who is having high income. However, it is a minority. As it is not necessary for Saudi Arabia to gain any taxes or other income from Cigarettes importing, I believe there should be a complete ban to be imposed on Cigarette importing. Now, it is just another burden for smokers to pay increased premium beside the money that they spending to buy cigarettes.

In many countries including Saudi Arabia, smoking in public places are prohibited by law. It is really unfortunate that it is not implemented well.  In spite of various programs aimed at educating the public about the harm associated with smoking cigarettes, the number of smokers in Saudi Arabia continued to grow, especially amongst young people. They consider it as a fashion. The Expatriate community justify their smoking is caused by the stress and homesickness.  Some of the Arab communities are spending their evening by hookah (hubble bubble) smoking. Some of the hubble bubble smokers (including some of my friends) think that the smoke of hubble bubble passes through water before being inhaled that it is somehow less dangerous than cigarettes. NOT TRUE! Water does not filter out the hookah smoke, which contains harmful and toxic compounds like tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and cancer-causing chemicals. In fact, typical hookah tobacco contains three times the nicotine of one cigarette. Some studies show that during the hubble bubble smoking sessions a person inhales 100-200 time more smoke than that of a single cigarette!!!

It's foolish to abuse your body by smoking. But addicted. What to do? If really Saudi Government wants to save the life of millions of citizens and their expatriate workforce, the only possible way is BAN THE IMPORT OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS. If it is not possible this ban in Saudi Arabia, it is not going to happen in any other part of the world. On the contrary, Tobacco manufacturer companies and sellers ,Pharmaceutical companies, Physicians, Insurance companies - continue making money.

Today is Friday and it is our weekend here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Roam around the city is not part of my Riyadh expatriate life so far especially during weekend. But today I got an opportunity to roam around Riyadh as two of our business visitors from Japan shown the interest to see outskirts of Riyadh city. I heard and read a lot about the ruins of the historically significant city of Diriyah, which is about 12 miles northwest of Riyadh city centre. We decided to go there first, but we didn't find anything interesting over there except the ruins of many of the mud-brick buildings remain and couple of date palm tree farms. Then we moved towards the Janadriah area. On the way, we have seen several camel farms and took some pictures. It was interesting to see the camel calves and milking the camel. One of the Camel farmers invited us to drink camel milk and he explained about the nutritional value of the milk and how it was important for Saudis some 50 years ago. Camel milk is a staple food of desert tribes and is richer in fat and protein than cow milk. As the Camel milk is produced in traditional way by hand milking and the low hygienic surrounding, we politely refused the invitation of drinking the milk.

Bedouin tribes believe that camel milk has great curative powers. Healing properties of camel milk all myth or can they be proved and provide a bright future for camel dairying? The milk of the camel has traditionally been used to treat diabetes. Camel milk does seem to contain high levels of insulin or an insulin-like protein which appears to be able to pass through the stomach without being destroyed. Camel meat is available in the shelves of supermarkets of Saudi Arabia. But the milk is so far not hit in the shelves of supermarkets. May be there will be dairy camel operations in the future.