Microsoft CEO talks to Moscow students about cloud

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer recently gave a speech to students at Moscow State University in which he discussed cloud computing in the country. According to Russia-IC.com, Ballmer said he believes cloud computing is the future of technology and a natural interface between human beings and computers.

Ballmer believes cloud computing’s potential lies in its ease of use for programmers. Developers do not have to worry about program distribution because the cloud automatically allows for it. Ballmer also believes cloud services will break down barriers between software and hardware. Many types of cloud services can be used across platforms or on both PCs and mobile devices.

Ballmer also talked about “natural user interface,” which can understand both the user’s voice and their intent. Microsoft recently incorporated the feature into their new Xbox Kinect, a control device for the Xbox 360 that uses motion-sensing and voice commands.

Recently, Microsoft has been touring Russia, looking to gain a technological foothold in the country. Microsoft also announced plans to build a software center in Skolkovo, which the company hopes to make into a Russian equivalent to Silicon Valley.