HailStorm is a new set of Web services from Microsoft that provides a centralized way to store and access user data. If successful, HailStorm will achieve the lofty goal of Internet-based computing at the office and home, and on the road. This in-depth analysis thoroughly examines the pound of flesh that HailStorm extracts from users.
By Robert Eisenberg
Microsoft's centralized data repository tempts users and developers alike with the promise of one world-wide login, one highly secured location for personal data, and access to that data from anywhere in the world using any platform or Web-enabled device. It gives users the ability to control others' access to their data, and provides advanced notification capabilities.
At the same time, it raises questions about the wisdom of entrusting such a large volume of sensitive data to a single company. Can Microsoft keep your data safe? Moreover, do you trust it to keep its hands off your private data? Read on to find out...
HailStorm is already a large topic—and it's not even released yet. To dig deeper into HailStorm, this list of sources, links, and references will give you a good start. Read on...
What Is HailStorm?
HailStorm is a new set of Web services from Microsoft that provide a centralized way to store and access user data. Read how Microsoft's first foray into .NET services promises private access to personal information.
HailStorm's Design and Structure
The success of HailStorm depends on attracting lots of third-party developers and HailStorm-compatible services. Read how Microsoft is well positioned to succeed because of its existing third-party developers and development tools.
How Will HailStorm Affect You?
No doubt about it: HailStorm faces some stiff competition from its longtime rivals. Find out how looking at HailStorm's partners and competitors reveals some surprising possibilities ahead.
Robert Eisenberg has 20 years of experience in the high-tech industry. Until recently Robert was CEO of Framfab USA, part of Framfab, the third largest Internet professional services firm in the world and the largest in Europe. Before that Robert co-founded eBizApps.com, which was later acquired by Framfab. For 15 years Robert was president of MicroMax, a computer-consulting firm that specialized in database and accounting systems, whose clients included Pacific Bell, Nynex, US West, Freixenet, Ocular Science, and the Federal Reserve Bank. Reach him at robert@reassociates.net.
Andrew Macdonald, a Computer Science major at Stanford University, provided assistance with research and was essential in providing a manageable structure for this article.
DevX Guide to .NET
is your jumping-off-point to all the .NET coverage by DevX and Fawcette Technical Publications. Read our expert overviews, technical articles, and insightful editorials!
What do you think of Microsoft's HailStorm technology? Join readers as they discuss HailStorm, Passport, Microsoft, and .NET in these DevX discussion groups:
