Ownership v Digital Access

As we transition to the “cloud,” as everyone wants to call it, early adopters and thought leaders realize that the important component of ownership is purchasing access rights, not the actual products or content.

In theory, iTunes was the foundation of mass digital purchasing. The service empowered music enthusiasts to digitally own a collection of music. Yet, it even had a component of the cloud built in: the ability to authorize multiple computers allowed a purchaser to become a reseller.

Leasing access allows you to avoid purchasing the actual technology, but instead buy temporary access. Once your need is fulfilled through a different service, you discontinue your old rights and transition on your way.

The model has clear advantages. Spreading content across a group creates an exponentially lower price for all. Also, sharing technical knowledge and resources ultimately ensure a better product. However, multiple must-haves still require attention such as security and digital backups. There are people hard at work on this; they will find the solutions. 

This is the essence of technology and why companies are putting every resource behind it. Look at Apple, Google, Amazon and Dropbox. Each company understands the cloud is cheaper, more reliable and a better way for society.

But as quickly as a cloud forms, it will soon continue onto its next cycle of change.