http://briefings.gigaom.com/ GigaOM Briefings are downloadable digital reports that contain in-depth, timely and actionable information on current technologies and technology trends. en-us Tue, 24 June 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT There are major transformations underway in the U.S. electric grid, driven by an aging infrastructure and growing concern over the environment. Well-established firms, like IBM and SAP, have launched energy practices aimed at capturing emerging opportunities to revolutionize the way electricity is delivered to our homes. But there is a similar shift about to occur on the demand side, and the residential market is ripe with opportunities to revolutionize the ways in which we use that energy in our homes. This briefing looks at the trends and challenges facing this market. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://briefings.gigaom.com/smart-energy-home/ Abstract: Cloud computing is an industry, a technology and a business model all in one. It’s also poorly defined, confusing and full of startups claiming to have the next big innovation in the field. In this briefing, we look at the fundamentals of the cloud and why many believe it will be the infrastructure for coming generations of applications. We also present a taxonomy of the cloud industry and a look at the obstacles it must overcome in order to attract mainstream adoption. Tue, 24 June 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://briefings.gigaom.com/