Software as a service

Cloud computing is the new hot trend, but anyone business that has tried to move itself into the cloud has generally been in for a shock. Yes, the cloud may be cheaper than owning servers, but it has its own painful issues. Enter startup Standing Cloud, which wants to make the jump to the cloud into a cake walk.

IT trends researcher Gartner cut its forecast for 2011 worldwide PC shipment growth from 18.1% to 15.9%. That's still very robust for PCs, but it's an early sign that the iPad's wild popularity is taking a toll on the rest of the computer industry.

Oracle further satisfied its voracious appetite for acquisitions Tuesday, announcing plans to snap up e-commerce software maker Art Technology Group in a $1 billion deal.

The chief software architect was the perfect visionary foil to strategy-obsessed CEO Ballmer. His entrepreneurial mind pushed the stodgy software giant to innovate in cloud computing and more. That's a role Microsoft will sorely miss.

I was so shocked that he personally returned an email plea for help that I recently fired off to him, immediately escalated my query to an executive vice president and thanked me. Actually, he said "Mahalo," a Hawaiian word for "thanks."