Keeping personal information, documents and media files up to date on all the devices we own today has always been a bit frustrating. Google, Apple and Microsoft have made attempts over the past few years to move from the manual syncing of devices to using online cloud servers. Services like MobileMe and Google docs have managed to gain attention in the tech sector, but have failed to move into widespread adoption by the everyday computer and smartphone user.

Startup companies such as Dropbox and Box.net offer free storage space in the cloud to hold documents and photos but cannot update personal information such as address books and calendars. Google’s synching service for iPhones and Androids has been used widely, but offers no real ability to sync or stream media. Google also lacks a desktop interface that can be accessed through a dedicated application. Microsoft has yet to introduce a real contender for cloud applications, but it is rumored that Windows 8 will be highly integrated with the cloud. It seems Apple will be the first company to introduce a service that will be able to keep all our personal and media files in sync with little to no hassle.

Over the past few weeks, Apple has been spreading information on its new iCloud service. It will be very similar to its first attempt with MobileMe, but it won’t include the hefty annual price. iCloud will include 5 GB of free storage to start with and will be fully integrated into all of the new Apple operating systems. OSX Lion was released on July 20 and will be fully integrated with iCloud. Lion has been streamlined to look and feel more like the iPhone and iPad operating system with full screen applications and a Launchpad screen that mimics the iPhone home screen. The new calendar and mail apps will update automatically with the cloud and work seamlessly with any iOS device. This synchronization of personal data within the Apple operating systems is similar to what Google has offered before, but the big news with iCloud is the effortless sharing of media.

Apple’s iTunes will be at the center for the majority of iCloud media services. Apple has announced it will offer a streaming service through iCloud that will allow any iTunes user to stream their library to any digital device. Competitors like Amazon have already released products that allow streaming of any previously purchased music, but Apple has come up with a plan that will remove the need to upload vast amounts of music that will take up all the free iCloud space offered. iTunes Match is the new service offered by Apple that will scan your personal library and match it to music already located on their iTunes server. This service will allow streaming of your entire library without having to upload thousands of songs or pay for large amounts of online storage. The only catch is the $25 annual fee for iTunes Match.

The new iOS operating systems will be released along with iCloud later this fall and will take full advantage of the wireless syncing offered through iCloud. It is likely that the upgrade to iOS 5 will be the last time many iPhone users will be using their USB cords to sync their devices. Included in the update will be syncing over WiFi. The update will also enable moving media between iOS devices and computers anywhere through either iCloud or iTunes Match.

iCloud is likely to be the first real success in moving people towards a cloud based life. Large amounts of cloud storage space and iTunes Match will not be free, but they are reasonably priced unlike many other Apple products. This low price point and easy integration make it a service that will no doubt be emulated by competitors like Google and Microsoft who have been trying to keep up with Apple’s easy interface since the release of the iPhone.

John Patrick McLemore is a senior majoring in chemical engineering.