It was a second time to stay at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Words can not describe this incredible hotel. The occasion was to give a speech at an event that CCC Information Services held for a grouop of its customers. CCC is a private company that provides its customers with collision repair and insurance estimating software solutions, analytical tools and comprehensive data. Their focus is on integrated claims management to  optimize efficiency throughout the claims management supply chain, facilitating communication among approximately 21,000 auto body collision repair facilities, 350 insurance companies and a range of other industry participants. In my talk about the Future of the Internet, I discussed the fast, always on, everywhere, natural, intelligent, easy, and trusted characteristics of the Internet. As usual, I highlighted my optimistic view about cloud computing. CCC is a real believer and pioneer in this area. See a point of view from CCC’s Ron Nelson called Life in the Cloud.

In addition to the day being the kickoff for CCC’s conference, it was also the graduation day for 1,000 cadets at the Air Force Academy, and the 43rd anniversary for my wife and me. We took advantage of being in Colorado Springs by taking a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The Manitou & Pike’s Peak Railway Company was founded and track construction began in 1889. The first cog railway was built in New Hampshire in 1869, but Switzerland is where most cog railways are located. The Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway, however, is the highest rack railway in the world as well as the highest railway in North America and the Northern Hemisphere. The maximum grade the train can handle is 25% and it was great to experience it. The train runs all year round but on some occassions, including last week for us, there is too much snow to get to the top. We made it to 12,400 feet and the views were spectacular.