Some have criticized iCloud as a lock-in technology that shackles users to the platform and forcefully prevents them from switching to another. But iCloud is no more a lock-in than any app or service for any other OS. What iCloud is really about is stickiness -- it's going to make users actually want to stay by making data sharing so convenient, easy and effortless.
I'm definitely not saying that Apple's competitors don't have some great products, I'm just saying that iCloud will significantly raise the stakes in capturing consumers in 2011. Naysayers look at iCloud as a lock-in service, but it's more clearly a sticky bit of consumer genius. It is not anymore a lock-in than an app for any particular OS is a lock-in. The bottom line is, my friends who own Android phones are far more likely to upgrade to new Android phones than they are to buy anything else. The apps, the accounts, and the services are all sticky. iCloud will take sticky to a whole new level. Here are five reasons why.
The most important thing to know about Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) new iCloud service is that it will make being an Apple device owner simpler -- and perhaps more delightful -- than ever before. Of course, its basic premise is this: iCloud will store and sync your music, photos, apps, calendars and documents.
For owners of iPhones, iPads and iPod touches, iCloud will be undeniable benefit. At the same time, other Apple product consumers will benefit, and Apple competitors will need to break out their umbrellas and weather a bit of rain while they figure out how to communicate how and why their products and services are better.I'm definitely not saying that Apple's competitors don't have some great products, I'm just saying that iCloud will significantly raise the stakes in capturing consumers in 2011. Naysayers look at iCloud as a lock-in service, but it's more clearly a sticky bit of consumer genius. It is not anymore a lock-in than an app for any particular OS is a lock-in. The bottom line is, my friends who own Android phones are far more likely to upgrade to new Android phones than they are to buy anything else. The apps, the accounts, and the services are all sticky. iCloud will take sticky to a whole new level. Here are five reasons why.
