The Future of Retail and the Cloud Wars

Retail is undergoing a massive transformation as we speak. Thanks to the rise of smartphones and apps, constantly connected customers are now able to do what was once pure fantasy. Every day, millions walk into traditional big-box retailers. After finding what they want and intend to buy, they are whipping out their iOS and Android devices and comparing in-store prices with those of online giants, most notably Amazon. If the price is lower online, then they make their purchases via their smartphones and promptly leave the store.

The name for this retailing scourge is showrooming. It's no understatement to say that it represents a herculean challenge to brick-and-mortar giants like Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, and others. The stakes have never been higher. We all saw what Netflix did to Blockbuster–or, rather, what Blockbuster did to itself.