What will be the data storage method of the future

Cloud computing is correct. You should spend your time beefing up your wired and wireless network capability and knowledge.

All of your software needs will be met instantly by accessing it with your I.D and a password. The only thing you will need on your end is the hardware.

If you want to store your personal data/music/photos/medical and financial currently it looks as if Solid State Drives (SSD) will soon replace common IDE/SATA Drives as the preferred method of local storage. (prices are dropping about 30% per quarter).

The next leap will be Quantum Inter-Dimensional Storage. Imagine all of the data that has ever been written, created or archived stored on a platform no larger than a kernel of corn.

Does any body really think it will do away with hard copy books? No way! Think about it another way. They that will control the 'cloud' will control your very ability to 'be'. Frightening, 1984 will be here shortly.

This is frightening, but I actually agree with Buconero117. Cloud computing has many benefits, but you are transferring all ownership and ultimately all control to what are effectively anonymous third parties. Furthermore, when you access the cloud a record of your activity is being generated and stored. While I might trust that Google really isn't interested in exactly what I'm doing, the same cannot be said of various governments. As recent events in the Middle East have highlighted, governments directly control the major internet access pathways in their countries. Imaging if the Syrian or Iranian governments could quickly access what music you've been listening to or books you've read. If you lived in either of those countries would the knowledge that someone could be compiling a list of what you do put a damper on your otherwise private activities?

The written page has worked for centuries as an effective way to store musical compositions.