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When it comes to computers, sometimes it seems like what should be the simplest thing in the world becomes incredibly, frustratingly complicated. Like, let’s say that you’re at work. You had to bring your laptop with you to work on some files, and now you’re ready to print. Maybe the files aren’t compatible with the software on your work computer so you want to print directly from your laptop. You go to the printer to make sure that it’s well stocked with paper and a new HP ink cartridge, since this is an important document and you don’t want anything to go wrong. You go back to your computer, press “print,” and…nothing happens.

Nothing happens, that is, except a tiny message appears saying “install device driver,” or “can’t find printer driver.” There are few situations in your professional life more mind-bogglingly frustrating than this one: you’re sitting right next to the printer because r, all systems are go, and you can’t print because of one measly missing driver; and, to make matters worse, you can’t switch to another computer because of software compatibility issues. Why on earth can’t those big corporations with all their advanced technologies just make all electronics, everywhere, compatible with one another?

If you have experienced this same frustration, then drum roll, please: HP, Google and Microsoft are all taking one little step closer to attaining that heavenly paradise that is known as universal compatibility. And it all comes down to something called “cloud” technology. It’s a little bit complicated and technical, but in basic terms, it means that computers, printers and other devices will be able to communicate with each other in virtual space (hence, the cloud metaphor) without needing to plug them into each other or other inconveniences, like installing those pesky drivers. Basically, it means that you would be able to send your documents to any printer, anywhere, with the mere click of a button!

Google has already been using this technology for its email and other services, and now printers are starting to get into the business. At the beginning of 2010, Hewlett Packard and Microsoft signed an agreement to start working on this technology so that very soon, everyone’s time in the office will become that much easier.

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