If you've never heard of cloud computing, you are not alone. While it has a definite buzz around web circles, it hasn't quite penetrated the mainstream audience like Web 2.0 and social networking. But it is already having an effect, and you are probably utilizing it whether you know it or not.
Cloud computing is the idea of using the web as a platform, which is a fancy way of saying we are using the web to perform some of the tasks we previously used our computer to perform. Confused? That's because we use our computer to connect to the web, so it sounds like the same thing, but rather than using our computer to perform the logic and calculations for us, cloud computing uses a website to do it.
In fact, if you have pictures on Flickr, you are already using cloud computing. Flickr is a prime example of using the 'cloud' to store your pictures and share them with friends.
Want to see cloud computing in action? Check out Buzzword, Adobe's online word processor. It looks and acts much like Microsoft Word, but the big difference is that your computer isn't acting as the word processor. Instead, Adobe's website is doing the heavy lifting.
Why is this important?
- Free Software. Many of the best online applications are free, including office suites from Zoho and Google. While there are some features they lack, such as doing a mail merge from the spreadsheet to the word processor, they can perform most of what you need them to do.
- Cheap Access. Because the website is doing most of the work, you don't need a powerful computer to use the applications. Netbooks, which are scaled down laptops, are selling for less than $250.
- Portability. Have a spreadsheet you want to show to a friend? Just sign on from their computer and access their docs. Have a presentation you need to give but your laptop went on the fritz when you arrived at the airport? No problem, any computer can access the presentation.
- Flexibility. You aren't limited to just your desktop computer or laptop. Many devices that can access the Internet can pull up these services. So, you can pull up your Flickr pictures on your Blackberry or use the Google iPhone application to pull up the novel you are working on and show a friend.
- Peace of Mind. How many times have you lost something because you accidentally deleted it or your computer fried? One nice aspect to using the web as a service is that it becomes a safety net. If you upload your pictures to Flickr, you'll have them even if your hard drive crashes.
And these are just a few of the benefits. I didn't even get into one of the most useful aspects of cloud computing, which is the ease of collaborating with a friend or co-worker on a project.
Want to get started? Check out some of these online applications that might just replace your Microsoft Office suite.
Daniel, you are spot on with your assessment of cloud computing! It can be an invaluable resource for the start-up businesses looking for cost-effective ways to support their employees – or the work-at-home individuals who need access to their files from a variety of locations. Our service allows users single login access to a variety of SaaS products, their files, their email, social media sites, and more. And because the information is all held on the Internet, their interface looks the same no matter what computer they are on, or what operating system it runs. Check it out and let us know your thoughts!
Great post! If you want more on PaaS providers, check out WorkXpress.com. Would love to get your impression.
Kind regards,
~A
Cloud computing is also listed as one of the New Media Consortium’s trends in education. I think the combination of cheap products and easy access is very appealing for schools and students.
What happens if the network connection is down or you’re in an area without internet access?