Tetsuro Muranaga's Life

6/05/2011

My Tweets on Sat, Jun 04

21:28 While I went shopping for summer suits with my son, I was shocked to find my waist size had grown, even my weight have not increased a lot.

My tweets on 2011-06-04

While I went shopping for summer suits with my son, I was shocked to find my waist size had grown, even my weight have not increased a lot. 21:28 via HootSuite

5/31/2011

My Tweets on Mon, May 30

01:46 You don't have to buy Golf GPS appliances. At about 1/3 price, you can get iPhone App "Golfshot" with the similar performance / functions.

My tweets on 2011-05-30

You don't have to buy Golf GPS appliances. At about 1/3 price, you can get iPhone App "Golfshot" with the similar performance / functions. 01:46 via HootSuite

5/30/2011

My Tweets on Sun, May 29

21:31 I've found a young & naive guy in pictures taken 25 years ago on Facebook. It's me. I was slim & had thick black hair !
20:41 I've connected with many friends in my school days who were in the same circle such as micro-computer or AI, since FB becomes popular.
10:17 If your opponent become off-line while chatting with Facebook, your chat message will be stored in a message box.

My tweets on 2011-05-29

If your opponent become off-line while chatting with Facebook, your chat message will be stored in a message box. 10:17 via HootSuite
I've connected with many friends in my school days who were in the same circle such as micro-computer or AI, since FB becomes popular. 20:41 via HootSuite
I've found a young & naive guy in pictures taken 25 years ago on Facebook. It's me. I was slim & had thick black hair ! 21:31 via HootSuite

4/26/2011

My Tweets on Mon, Apr 25

20:58 I've not written blog about one month.Too busy on weekdays, too tired and not feel like writing on the weekends.

My tweets on 2011-04-25

I've not written blog about one month.Too busy on weekdays, too tired and not feel like writing on the weekends. 20:58 via HootSuite

4/13/2011

My Tweets on Tue, Apr 12

06:56 It's cold today even in mid-April! I should've had a coat. I'm concerning whether power consumption will get over the limit.

My tweets on 2011-04-12

It's cold today even in mid-April! I should've had a coat. I'm concerning whether power consumption will get over the limit. 06:56 via HootSuite

3/29/2011

My Tweets on Mon, Mar 28

22:59 I bought "Songs for Japan" at iTunes Store. It is reasonable(1500yen for 38songs). And I can contribute a little to people hit by the quake.

My tweets on 2011-03-28

I bought "Songs for Japan" at iTunes Store. It is reasonable(1500yen for 38songs). And I can contribute a little to people hit by the quake. 22:59 via HootSuite

3/16/2011

Our son safely came home from Sendai where the earthquake struck

Our son, who had been hit by the earthquake in Sendai, came back home safely yesterday after 3 days of the disaster. He was outside when the quake struck. He stayed in a building near Sendai station over the cold Friday night, and moved to a refuge, a nearby elementary school, next Saturday morning. We were really relieved and pleased to hear that he was OK calling from a publie phone, since there had been no contact via a cell phone or e-mail.

On Sunday, he and his fellow who had stayed the refuge together found a route to leave Sendai by bus. They immediately went to Yamagata by bus in the afternoon, and stayed at a hotel in Sakata, a north city of Yamagata prefecture. They came back to Tokyo by train via Niigata in Monday morning.

We are lucky to have reunion with our son safely. We greatly thank people who have encouraged and helped him to come home.

3/12/2011

My Tweets on Fri, Mar 11

12:14 Here is a pollen distribution map of Tokyo metropolitan area. Very depressing to people who have allergy to pollen. http://bit.ly/fqJ8LY

My tweets on 2011-03-11

Here is a pollen distribution map of Tokyo metropolitan area. Very depressing to people who have allergy to pollen. http://bit.ly/fqJ8LY 12:14 via HootSuite

3/10/2011

My Tweets on Wed, Mar 09

22:06 My eyes are sore and itchy caused by heavy pollen allergy. Eyedrops have no effect.

My tweets on 2011-03-09

My eyes are sore and itchy caused by heavy pollen allergy. Eyedrops have no effect. 22:06 via HootSuite

3/08/2011

My Tweets on Mon, Mar 07

23:45 I lost 2kilo last month. The main reason why I lost my weight is that I didn't go drink. Eating out causes gaining my weight.
00:28 I sold UT4 golf club and bought FW9, instead. I just paid 5000 yen, the difference of those club prices. I hope I hit a ball well with FW9.

My tweets on 2011-03-07

I sold UT4 golf club and bought FW9, instead. I just paid 5000 yen, the difference of those club prices. I hope I hit a ball well with FW9. 00:28 via HootSuite
I lost 2kilo last month. The main reason why I lost my weight is that I didn't go drink. Eating out causes gaining my weight. 23:45 via HootSuite

3/06/2011

My Tweets on Sat, Mar 05

10:29 Train in a garden of the temple. http://ow.ly/i/8Obe

My tweets on 2011-03-05

Train in a garden of the temple. http://ow.ly/i/8Obe 10:29 via HootSuite

3/04/2011

My Tweets on Thu, Mar 03

18:45 Ekitan, the company of guide for transportation, went public today. Congratulations! I did incubation of Ekitan from biz & tech aspects.

My tweets on 2011-03-03

Ekitan, the company of guide for transportation, went public today. Congratulations! I did incubation of Ekitan from biz & tech aspects. 18:45 via HootSuite

3/03/2011

My Tweets on Wed, Mar 02

07:22 Finding out to be a rainy day, I feel a bit relieved. Because we'll have fewer pollen. I have a heavy allergy to cedar pollen.
00:59 I'm not sure which to use Facebook or twitter. I think FB is mainly used to socialize. I use twitter for socializing & a good news resource.

My tweets on 2011-03-02

I'm not sure which to use Facebook or twitter. I think FB is mainly used to socialize. I use twitter for socializing & a good news resource. 00:59 via HootSuite
Finding out to be a rainy day, I feel a bit relieved. Because we'll have fewer pollen. I have a heavy allergy to cedar pollen. 07:22 via HootSuite

2/23/2011

My Tweets on Tue, Feb 22

16:59 Search for apps in AppStore is not good. Rather, I use Chomp app search service. The coverage is broader than AppStore.http://bit.ly/hk62jb
14:58 A bit hard to read a technical article.One of the most impressive article of AI Magazine is Stefik's "Knowledge Medium" http://bit.ly/gDHuUb
14:55 Reading an article of AI Magazine for the 1st time in 20 years! It is on Watson, which defeated human quiz champions.http://bit.ly/fWnHQM

My tweets on 2011-02-22

Reading an article of AI Magazine for the 1st time in 20 years! It is on Watson, which defeated human quiz champions.http://bit.ly/fWnHQM 14:55 via HootSuite
A bit hard to read a technical article.One of the most impressive article of AI Magazine is Stefik's "Knowledge Medium" http://bit.ly/gDHuUb 14:58 via HootSuite
Search for apps in AppStore is not good. Rather, I use Chomp app search service. The coverage is broader than AppStore.http://bit.ly/hk62jb 16:59 via HootSuite

2/19/2011

My Tweets on Fri, Feb 18

00:14 I'm going to see IBM research's site&video on Watson/Deep QA Pj. I'd like to know how Watson answers questions, retrieving its knowledge DB.

My tweets on 2011-02-18

I'm going to see IBM research's site&video on Watson/Deep QA Pj. I'd like to know how Watson answers questions, retrieving its knowledge DB. 00:14 via HootSuite

2/16/2011

My Tweets on Tue, Feb 15

01:03 I was about to go to bed 1 hour ago, but I had to find out why Internet connection failed. Now it recovers, so I can go sleep.

My tweets on 2011-02-15

I was about to go to bed 1 hour ago, but I had to find out why Internet connection failed. Now it recovers, so I can go sleep. 01:03 via HootSuite

2/13/2011

My Tweets on Sat, Feb 12

23:48 The Economist refers 3D printer and its impact on manufacturing. The photo on the front page shows 3D-printed violin.http://econ.st/e2ywPo
21:26 The value of WM7 is the OS quality&compatibility is certified by Microsoft. Too many Android gadgets might lead to mess of no compatibility.

My tweets on 2011-02-12

The value of WM7 is the OS quality&compatibility is certified by Microsoft. Too many Android gadgets might lead to mess of no compatibility. 21:26 via HootSuite
The Economist refers 3D printer and its impact on manufacturing. The photo on the front page shows 3D-printed violin.http://econ.st/e2ywPo 23:48 via HootSuite

2/12/2011

My Tweets on Fri, Feb 11

11:44 Lunch at nana's green tea as usual. http://ow.ly/i/82EP

My tweets on 2011-02-11

Lunch at nana's green tea as usual. http://ow.ly/i/82EP 11:44 via HootSuite

2/11/2011

My Tweets on Thu, Feb 10

20:17 I found why I had time to write blogs these days. I didn't go for a drink so often as usual.

My tweets on 2011-02-10

I found why I had time to write blogs these days. I didn't go for a drink so often as usual. 20:17 via HootSuite

2/08/2011

My Tweets on Mon, Feb 07

20:00 Compared with Cobuild, word definitions of LDOCE (Longman) are simple & easy to understand. It has many examples, too.
19:37 Being back home just to confirm the disappointing Super Bowl result,that is, to see how Steelers got lost. What a pity!
12:32 I wasn't able to watch Super Bowl on TV, because of office hours.Now I know the result & have to see the PIT-defeated game recorded w/ DVR.
00:45 I've not see the movie "The Social Network", because I avoid going to a movie theater so as not to get the flu in crowd.
00:37 I notice on twitter or Facebook that a lot of my friends have got the flu. Take care!
00:06 I wish I could see Super Bowl in real time. It will start at 8:00am on Monday in Japan. I have to work that time.

My tweets on 2011-02-07

I wish I could see Super Bowl in real time. It will start at 8:00am on Monday in Japan. I have to work that time. 00:06 via HootSuite
I notice on twitter or Facebook that a lot of my friends have got the flu. Take care! 00:37 via HootSuite
I've not see the movie "The Social Network", because I avoid going to a movie theater so as not to get the flu in crowd. 00:45 via HootSuite
I wasn't able to watch Super Bowl on TV, because of office hours.Now I know the result & have to see the PIT-defeated game recorded w/ DVR. 12:32 via HootSuite
Being back home just to confirm the disappointing Super Bowl result,that is, to see how Steelers got lost. What a pity! 19:37 via HootSuite
Compared with Cobuild, word definitions of LDOCE (Longman) are simple & easy to understand. It has many examples, too. 20:00 via HootSuite

2/07/2011

My Tweets on Sun, Feb 06

10:29 I had a regular dental checkup&scaling(I got tartar removed).Hard to keep my teeth clean.I don't know why, but my teeth got tartar easily.

My tweets on 2011-02-06

I had a regular dental checkup&scaling(I got tartar removed).Hard to keep my teeth clean.I don't know why, but my teeth got tartar easily. 10:29 via HootSuite

2/05/2011

My Tweets on Fri, Feb 04

17:50 I have an appointment with my dentist tomorrow morning. So, I should not drink too much tonight. Would it be possible even at @bar_socie?
12:11 One of the reasons for Facebook to get more popular in Japan might be the movie "Social Networking", which makes people recognize FB widely.
11:07 According to tweets around me, influenza is spreading & Facebook is becoming more popular. Without twitter, I don't know these matters.

My tweets on 2011-02-04

According to tweets around me, influenza is spreading & Facebook is becoming more popular. Without twitter, I don't know these matters. 11:07 via HootSuite
One of the reasons for Facebook to get more popular in Japan might be the movie "Social Networking", which makes people recognize FB widely. 12:11 via HootSuite
I have an appointment with my dentist tomorrow morning. So, I should not drink too much tonight. Would it be possible even at@bar_socie? 17:50 via HootSuite

2/04/2011

My Tweets on Thu, Feb 03

16:53 Have had a sore throat and sometimes coughed since Tuesday night. Checked if flu or not, and found that I had just a cold.

My tweets on 2011-02-03

Have had a sore throat and sometimes coughed since Tuesday night. Checked if flu or not, and found that I had just a cold. 16:53 via HootSuite

2/02/2011

My Tweets on Tue, Feb 01

19:41 I might catch a cold. I have a sore throat this evening and want to cough sometimes. When I get home, I will gargle with iodine water.

My tweets on 2011-02-01

I might catch a cold. I have a sore throat this evening and want to cough sometimes. When I get home, I will gargle with iodine water. 19:41 via HootSuite

1/28/2011

My Tweets on Thu, Jan 27

01:11 I start to read Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Never let me go' again. Looking forward to see the movie based on the novel.
01:10 I'd like to see two movies: 'The Social Network' and 'Never let me go'. Andrew Garfield appears on both.

My tweets on 2011-01-27

I'd like to see two movies: 'The Social Network' and 'Never let me go'. Andrew Garfield appears on both. 01:10 via HootSuite
I start to read Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Never let me go' again. Looking forward to see the movie based on the novel. 01:11 via HootSuite

1/26/2011

My Tweets on Tue, Jan 25

02:23 During watching the AFC championship match (Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets), a news says that Kazuo Ishiguro is visiting Japan.

My tweets on 2011-01-25

During watching the AFC championship match (Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets), a news says that Kazuo Ishiguro is visiting Japan. 02:23 via HootSuite

1/24/2011

My Tweets on Sun, Jan 23

09:57 As I expected, my son has got the flu. The medicine has been prescribed. He would get well in a few days.
09:00 Waiting for our family clinic to open.my second son has very high fever. He might have got the flu.

My tweets on 2011-01-23

Waiting for our family clinic to open.my second son has very high fever. He might have got the flu. 09:00 via HootSuite
As I expected, my son has got the flu. The medicine has been prescribed. He would get well in a few days. 09:57 via HootSuite

1/18/2011

My tweets on 2011-01-17

Not get used to my new bifocal glasses. Too early to buy them? 18:42 via HootSuite

1/05/2011

My Tweets on Tue, Jan 04

21:59 I bought a pair of bifocals as spare glasses.While my eyes are aging, I got more nearsighted these few years even my age, just before 50.
21:49 My glasses was broken when I was out, not seeing anything. I should have brought spare glasses at any time, not only for a trip.

My tweets on 2011-01-04

My glasses was broken when I was out, not seeing anything. I should have brought spare glasses at any time, not only for a trip. 21:49 via HootSuite
I bought a pair of bifocals as spare glasses.While my eyes are aging, I got more nearsighted these few years even my age, just before 50. 21:59 via HootSuite

12/27/2010

My Tweets on Sun, Dec 26

19:37 Finished writing new year's cards. Even if SNS like twitter or Facebook get popular, some people do not use them. Postal card preferred.

My tweets on 2010-12-26

Finished writing new year's cards. Even if SNS like twitter or Facebook get popular, some people do not use them. Postal card preferred. 19:37 via HootSuite

12/25/2010

My Tweets on Fri, Dec 24

11:10 Unfortunately,AirPlay not work well. Cannot play contents in iPhone/iPad on TV large screen, because iPhone/iPad not recognize AppleTV. Why?
11:08 Apple TV makes my TV life different & exciting. Sharing funny videos on YouTube with large TV screen. Playing iTunes library with AV amp...

My tweets on 2010-12-24

Apple TV makes my TV life different & exciting. Sharing funny videos on YouTube with large TV screen. Playing iTunes library with AV amp... 11:08 via HootSuite
Unfortunately,AirPlay not work well. Cannot play contents in iPhone/iPad on TV large screen, because iPhone/iPad not recognize AppleTV. Why? 11:10 via HootSuite

12/23/2010

My Tweets on Wed, Dec 22

13:52 #HootSuite is coming to Japan market collaborating with DigitalGarage. As 1st step, they released Keitai client & management of mixi account
08:20 My earphone's Bluetooth connection suddenly lost. I got in a flap because sound came out from iPhone speaker in the crowded train.

My tweets on 2010-12-22

My earphone's Bluetooth connection suddenly lost. I got in a flap because sound came out from iPhone speaker in the crowded train. 08:20 via HootSuite
#HootSuite is coming to Japan market collaborating with DigitalGarage. As 1st step, they released Keitai client & management of mixi account 13:52 via HootSuite

12/19/2010

My Tweets on Sat, Dec 18

08:49 #HootSuite for iPad came into running again, which I think is one of the best Twitter client for iPad.

My tweets on 2010-12-18

#HootSuite for iPad came into running again, which I think is one of the best Twitter client for iPad. 08:49 via HootSuite

12/14/2010

My Tweets on Mon, Dec 13

19:49 EyeSight, automatic braking system with stereo cameras, boost Legacy sales up, because it wins women's approval to buy Legacy.
19:42 New Legacy has not sold well in Japan, because it is bigger than old model. However, EyeSight safety system boost up the sales this year.

My tweets on 2010-12-13

New Legacy has not sold well in Japan, because it is bigger than old model. However, EyeSight safety system boost up the sales this year. 19:42 via HootSuite
EyeSight, automatic braking system with stereo cameras, boost Legacy sales up, because it wins women's approval to buy Legacy. 19:49 via HootSuite

12/13/2010

My Tweets on Sun, Dec 12

20:11 I saw the movie "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" with my son. The scenario is faithful to the original book.

My tweets on 2010-12-12

I saw the movie "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" with my son. The scenario is faithful to the original book. 20:11 via HootSuite

12/12/2010

My Tweets on Sat, Dec 11

20:47 Excited about joining a new organization to support start-ups in Japan, collaborative project with academia and business.

My tweets on 2010-12-11

Excited about joining a new organization to support start-ups in Japan, collaborative project with academia and business. 20:47 via HootSuite

12/09/2010

My Tweets on Wed, Dec 08

17:44 The Venus Climate Orbiter "Akatsuki" failed to be injected to its Venus orbit. How sorry! They'll try after 6 years when it approachs again.

My tweets on 2010-12-08

The Venus Climate Orbiter "Akatsuki" failed to be injected to its Venus orbit. How sorry! They'll try after 6 years when it approachs again. 17:44 via HootSuite

12/08/2010

My Tweets on Tue, Dec 07

09:36 The Economist article Is a good digest of current status of Google. http://ow.ly/3kWt2 "How long will Google's magic last?"

My tweets on 2010-12-07

The Economist article Is a good digest of current status of Google. http://ow.ly/3kWt2 "How long will Google's magic last?" 09:36 via HootSuite

12/07/2010

My Tweets on Mon, Dec 06

22:14 #HootSuite for iPad does not start today! It worked well yesterday. What happened to it?

My tweets on 2010-12-06

#HootSuite for iPad does not start today! It worked well yesterday. What happened to it? 22:14 via Twitter for iPad

12/06/2010

My Tweets on Sun, Dec 05

20:56 Just realized the number of connections in Facebook or LinkedIn is more than in mixi. I feel FB is taking off in Japan, also.
20:47 Stopped the feeds of my tweets to Facebook wall. Because too many tweets hides FB original activities. Wondering how to use FB. Share photo?
20:45 Wondering how to use Facebook & twitter respectively. Twitter is a media for useful info. Facebook is a communication tool with friends.

My tweets on 2010-12-05

Wondering how to use Facebook & twitter respectively. Twitter is a media for useful info. Facebook is a communication tool with friends. 20:45 via HootSuite
Stopped the feeds of my tweets to Facebook wall. Because too many tweets hides FB original activities. Wondering how to use FB. Share photo? 20:47 via HootSuite
Just realized the number of connections in Facebook or LinkedIn is more than in mixi. I feel FB is taking off in Japan, also. 20:56 via HootSuite

12/03/2010

My Tweets on Thu, Dec 02

17:15 Got a bit nervous to have a hearing by auditors. Prepared the documents, oral presentation beforehand. I got relieved when it finished.
13:47 Found why iPhone's battery became short. WiFi at office is out of order, and iPhone has been polling continuously. CPU is required&consumed
07:22 Orderd a TV set: REGZA Z1. In Japan, there is a program called eco-point, which boost TV sales last month. So, not know when it will come.

My tweets on 2010-12-02

Orderd a TV set: REGZA Z1. In Japan, there is a program called eco-point, which boost TV sales last month. So, not know when it will come. 07:22 via HootSuite
Found why iPhone's battery became short. WiFi at office is out of order, and iPhone has been polling continuously. CPU is required&consumed 13:47 via HootSuite
Got a bit nervous to have a hearing by auditors. Prepared the documents, oral presentation beforehand. I got relieved when it finished. 17:15 via HootSuite

12/02/2010

My Tweets on Wed, Dec 01

22:42 Reset iPhone whose battery life became short. Took 1.5 hours to backup and reset it. Seeing whether it works well for a while.
09:22 The battery life became too short for my iPhone 3GS. Should I reset it? "Reset" take time and give mental pressure, fearing of losing data.
01:38 What happend to my iPhone 3GS? It is somewhat hot and the battery life became too short ! I turn it off, killed all Apps. But...
01:36 I almost fall asleep in the bathtub.

My tweets on 2010-12-01

I almost fall asleep in the bathtub. 01:36 via HootSuite
What happend to my iPhone 3GS? It is somewhat hot and the battery life became too short ! I turn it off, killed all Apps. But... 01:38 via HootSuite
The battery life became too short for my iPhone 3GS. Should I reset it? "Reset" take time and give mental pressure, fearing of losing data. 09:22 via HootSuite
Reset iPhone whose battery life became short. Took 1.5 hours to backup and reset it. Seeing whether it works well for a while. 22:42 via HootSuite

11/30/2010

My Tweets on Mon, Nov 29

22:54 My son got "sho-dan" (1st grade) of Shogi, which means he is much stronger than I. I do not think I can defeat him in Shogi.

My tweets on 2010-11-29

My son got "sho-dan" (1st grade) of Shogi, which means he is much stronger than I. I do not think I can defeat him in Shogi. 22:54 via HootSuite

11/29/2010

My Tweets on Sun, Nov 28

23:54 Book on Hayabusa, the asteroid explorer, is published, which is written by PjL Prof. Kawaguchi. Two DVDs on Hayabusa's return will come out.
23:49 Many books are published on Yoshiharu Habu, the greatest Shogi player in Japan. Umeda hints some clues Habu's strength. Habu writes 2 books.

My tweets on 2010-11-28

Many books are published on Yoshiharu Habu, the greatest Shogi player in Japan. Umeda hints some clues Habu's strength. Habu writes 2 books. 23:49 via HootSuite
Book on Hayabusa, the asteroid explorer, is published, which is written by PjL Prof. Kawaguchi. Two DVDs on Hayabusa's return will come out. 23:54 via HootSuite

11/28/2010

My Tweets on Sat, Nov 27

16:47 I practiced golf after a few weeks absence. The driving range is not crowded even on Saturday. I think many people play golf on courses.

My tweets on 2010-11-27

I practiced golf after a few weeks absence. The driving range is not crowded even on Saturday. I think many people play golf on courses. 16:47 via HootSuite

11/26/2010

My Tweets on Thu, Nov 25

17:39 I had meetings of 2 companies at Tennouzu & Ebisu respectively. Had a late lunch between them.

My tweets on 2010-11-25

I had meetings of 2 companies at Tennouzu & Ebisu respectively. Had a late lunch between them. 17:39 via HootSuite

11/25/2010

My Tweets on Wed, Nov 24

13:20 In Japan, many TVs are sold, cause Nov is the last month for full benefit program called eco-point".I have to wait until Dec to buy one.

My tweets on 2010-11-24

In Japan, many TVs are sold, cause Nov is the last month for full benefit program called eco-point".I have to wait until Dec to buy one. 13:20 via HootSuite

11/24/2010

My Tweets on Tue, Nov 23

14:09 I set up my tweets of a day to be aggregated and be an article of Blogger, using twtr2src service. Manual is: http://ow.ly/3e3tI
09:55 It took 2 hours and 10min to update iPad to iOS4.2, because it took 1 hour and 40min to make a backup. Hope this update serve much.
08:46 While waiting for iOS4.2 update for iPad, I am reading a book of English vocabulary building.
08:41 It took about 30min to update iPhone3GS to iOS4.2. For iPad, it takes VERY VERY long time! iPad spends much time to make a backup. Why?

My tweets on 2010-11-23

It took about 30min to update iPhone3GS to iOS4.2. For iPad, it takes VERY VERY long time! iPad spends much time to make a backup. Why? 08:41 via HootSuite
While waiting for iOS4.2 update for iPad, I am reading a book of English vocabulary building. 08:46 via HootSuite
It took 2 hours and 10min to update iPad to iOS4.2, because it took 1 hour and 40min to make a backup. Hope this update serve much. 09:55 via HootSuite
I set up my tweets of a day to be aggregated and be an article of Blogger, using twtr2src service. Manual is: http://ow.ly/3e3tI 14:09 via HootSuite

5/03/2010

The Economist: "Clouds under the hammer" (March 13th, 2010)

In March, The Economist ran an interesting article on cloud computing and virtualization titled with "Clouds under the hammer": cloud computing is now offered for sale at an auction.

Here is a summary or a paraphrased excerpt from the article:

"Clouds under the hammer"

You might be tired of the word "cloud"("cloud fatigue"). However, the concept of computing as a basic utility delivered over the internet is taking the first steps a tradable commodity like electricity.

A key technology for cloud computing is virtualization, which separates software from hardware, allowing many "virtual machines" to run on any machine. Computing power can move around, even between remote (= far-flung) data centers. Virtualization enables "cloud providers", which offer computing power on demand, such as Amazon Web Services.

Standards bodies are working on rules that would make it easier to move virtual machines around, and a lot of start-ups are making this their business.

Zimory: ties together corporate data centres to work as one.
CloudKick: offers tools to manage virtual machines.
libcloud: an open-source project uses CloudKick tools that facilitates the development of services spanning difference clouds.
RightScale: is a pioneer of "cloud broking", which helps customers switch between clouds or use several different ones.

The industry's big companies are also working to make computing more replacable.

VMware: a leader of virtualisation software for corporate data centers has also begun selling its products to cloud providers. If "private clouds" (corporate data centers) and "public clouds" (cloud providers) use the same software, virtual machines can more easily move between them and firms can quickly add
capacity ("cloud bursting").
Cisco: has announced new technology to link up separate data centers towards its vision of "inter-cloud", a cloud of clouds.

Yet it is probably Amazon that will be seen as the firm that really launched computing markets. In December of 2009, it introduced a new pricing option: customers bid for the Amazon's unused computing capacity and get to run their virtual machines as long as their bid exceeds the minimum price needed to balance supply and demand.

As a result the price moves up and down jerkily (see chart) The virtual machines may be shut down at any time, when the spot price rises above the user's bid. But it already made customers think about computing in more economic terms, by asking what a given job is worth to them.

Amazon's "Spot Instance" has led to an excited debate among the cloud professionals. Some argues that it will go the way of power and even financial markets, complete with arbitrage, derivatives and hedging. Others argue that there are barriers that could prevent computing from becoming freely tradable. The reason is legal: some European countries do not allow certain types of data to be exported. Moreover, cloud providers have no interest in turning computing into a true commodity.

Both visions of the future may turn out to be right. Virtual machines will indeed increasingly move around, but mostly within private and public clouds or trusted federations of them. Some providers are already experimenting an approach as follows: virtual machines that migrate wherever demand and temperature is lowest --- most often to time zones where night has fallen, when computers tend to sit idle and cooling them is cheaper.

10/10/2009

I got three straight pars !

After a large typhoon No.18 had gone, it came a very fine day to play golf on October 9th. It also was a memorable day for me. I got three straight pars and two bogeys in consecutive five holes. Unbelievable moment for me, whose best score had ever been just 116 (par 72). I started golf a year ago, and has been practicing every week. It paid off.

10/08/2009

The typhoon has gone!

The typhoon No.18 has gone! Tomorrow will be an excellent day for playing golf.

10/04/2009

Golf Practice

Preparing for the golf round on next Friday, I practiced golf at the driving range where I was taking a group lesson every Saturday. The followings are a series of photos of my swing, taken by my son.

Looking forward to playing golf, but the typhoon No.18 is coming

We are going to play golf next Friday. However, a very strong typhoon is coming here, Kanto district, on the same day. I hope it will go away from here.

11/21/2005

[Life] blog のお引越し

新しいblogに移行しました。