Computers and software are advancing to the cloud at such a rate that it will be virtually impossible for anyone to not be connected to it eventually, unless you intend to just stop functioning on a tech or even entertainment level completely. Otherwise you won't have a choice.

To not do so would be the equivalent of someone still trying to do all their work and productivity today in 2013 on a 1993 windows 3.1-based machine. Only it won't take 20 years, or even 10 years. Computer technology compounds in advancement for every year that passes. 

MS Office has already changed their licensing so that it virtually forces you to subscribe to their cloud system if you want to continue using their software. I'd wager that by windows 9 or 10's release, the OS itself will be cloud based. 

The cloud has been cited as revolutionizing the internet the same way that the internet revolutionized computers, shopping, communication, etc. It's cost-effective, virtually fool-proof (unless there's a global power outage) and puts companies in complete control of who uses their software, how they use it and for what purposes.

It's not exactly a new technology. It mimics the way online games have been played for years. An MMO still requires a core application (client software) installed on your personal device, but that application is useless without access to the servers that the core software is hosted on. There is no way to pirate it, because you never actually have access to all the features you would need access to.

Music and movies are going the same route. Netflix, roku, genie, etc are all examples of cloud-based music, movies, tv series and even news. So much so that it's beginning to affect the cable companies in terms of pricing. Fewer and fewer people are subscribng to premium channels because they can get netflix and similar services so much cheaper. As a result, cable and satelite companies are having to charge their remaining customers more to off-set the costs and losses. It won't be much longer before subscribing to channels like HBO and Showtime will be a thing of the past, or just won't be affordable for the average joe, especially when there are so many other alternatives. And again, Netflix, roku, etc, go a long way to preventing piracy. 

Hard drives are faulty and outdated. They have always been the weakest link in any computer due to their very design, and are responsible for most crashes and data loss. With cloud computing you are 99.9% guranteed no loss of data unless there is a deliberate system-wide server wipe. 

As much as I like the concept of the cloud, i hate the idea of being forced into it. But if you intend to continue functioning on any technologically relevant level - and face it, most people here likely do - then you don't have a choice. You can put it off as long as you can get away with it, but eventually you'll assimilate. 

It's like the borg.

 

~Shane