Developing in the clouds

Yesterday I got my account for Google App Engine. I have a couple of ideas I’d like to build, but for now the plan is to investigate, observe, and learn from others.

I’m building a prototype, but it’s going to take a while; unfortunately I can only give it my free time, and that is in pretty short supply. If you’re interested in joining the project, please write to me or leave a comment. The idea is to put together some niche Web 2.0 application, social, of course.
Requirements: know Python, or have graphic design skills (or have a lot of money to invest ;)

For an introduction to Google App Engine, I suggest watching Google’s videos.

It looks like the trend for future startups will be to use the cloud, so there’s a professional motivation behind this project: learning to master this new way of building services. It has a somewhat creepy side to it, since apparently very few players have the capacity to offer these services (Google, Amazon). I’m surprised Microsoft isn’t thinking about cloud computing, but don’t underestimate them: they can wake up, and they have what it takes to offer this service.