Information technology is turning into a global "cloud" accessible from anywhere. What does that mean for the way people conduct business?

Also in this special report:

Where the cloud meets the ground - Data centres are quickly evolving into service factories.

Creating the cumulus - Software will be transformed into a combination of services.

On the periphery - The cloud's communications with its clients will become ever more intelligent and interactive.

Highs and lows - As IT gets cloudier, the economics of the business will change.

The long nimbus - The cloud will make businesses more adaptable, interconnected and specialised and often smaller.

Computers without borders - The cloud may be the ultimate form of globalisation.