“How to Fix the Web”

by Robert Scoble

Wired Magazine

May 2008

This article sheds light on an important function of cloud computing: merging existing software, websites, and other elements of the Web and Web 2.0. Scoble argues that his biggest problem with the web (or frustration may be a better way of putting it!) is that every time there are breakthroughs in technology, there is not enough attention or effort paid to merging the technological advance with the existing systems and structure that are in place. His example deals with passwords and basic user data. These days, every website, especially Web 2.0 sites, like YouTube, Facebook, your personal blogs, etc. require you to sign in a provide some basic personal information. While many attempts have been made, ie. Microsoft’s Passport, there is still no generally accepted way to store your passwords and basic personal information to avoid having to keep track of what information you have given each site or service. Scoble points to OpenID as a grassroots effort that he hopes will bridge these technological gaps. OpenID is accepted so far by more than 10,000 website, and believe it or not, has begun to receive support from Google and Microsoft. Supposedly, MySpace and Facebook do not want to collaborate at this point, but things may change. If you are interested in more information on OpenID, check out their website.