Although pretty heady stuff for a simple blog like this, the Aspen Institute recently released an eBook on cloud computing and the affects it may have on society in the coming years.

Arguably the ultimate expression of the web, “the cloud” is defined by A.I. as “a vast, always on, accessible, broadband-enabled next-generation Internet that is fast approaching.”

It will be a time where applications and data become a shared and distributed cyber-sea of information, communications and services, and with this evolution comes a huge set of issues around the idea of “identity.” Defining identity, validating it, preserving it, making it hack-proof and building reputation around it are just a few of the issues examined in the report.

You can read the report for yourself, here.

The report concludes by saying, “The cloud will usher in a seismic shift in the locus of control in our culture, and it will have ripple effects in all walks of life—energy, the environment, national security, learning, health care, business processes, emerging markets and much more. The cloud is about open access, rapid delivery of services, the ability to scale quickly and the power of networks. Ultimately, though, the cloud story is not just about computing, communication or information but about empowering citizens.”

A pretty worthwhile read, I guess….

KidWithMatches is the personal blog of Pete Eberbach, VP Director of Online Marketing & Technology with St. John + Partners.