Cloud Computing

You’ve probably heard the term cloud computing and how it is changing the way people and businesses use technology. But what is all the hype about?

Cloud Computing and Businesses

In terms of businesses, cloud computing is just a clever way of buying and using technology. It introduces the concept of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) where software can be delivered and purchased from the Internet (the “cloud”). Before the introduction of cloud computing, business would rely on the IT providers to come and implement software for their business. The costs would add up greatly this way. You would have to pay for the services of your IT provider, the licenses for new the software, new computers to run the software, extra storage, memory backup, etc.

Imagine having to do that every time you want to help your business do something new. Cloud computing has changed all of this. The cloud aspect just means that every service you can possibly need is provided by the Internet. So whether you are looking for a spreadsheet or a software package, it’s all located conveniently through a web browser. And because it is delivered from the Internet, you don’t need expensive servers anymore… you just need a broadband connection and possibly a small subscription fee. This is how cloud computing are changing businesses because it really helps to lower costs for businesses, and they can have access to their data from any location since it is on the web.

Cloud Computing in Everyday Life

Cloud computing has not only been improving business performances, it has also been affecting how we live our daily lives. We’re living in a world today where millions of people go on the Internet every day, and these people are connected through social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. Many people are also using blogs and posting videos and photos on YouTube and Flickr. Every post on the web and photo upload is part of cloud computing services, where you can access that data from any part in the world. The buzz about cloud computing has been growing every day and has been the topic for many tech companies, just because there are so many amounts of ways that people can be connected online. Therefore, many businesses are trying to use cloud computing and the communication and flow of information online into business potential.

Connection between Cloud Computing and Social Networking

There is a strong connection between social networking and cloud computing, and businesses have been trying to use social networks as a means to create stronger relationships with their customers. For example, some cloud computing services have developed applications for businesses to use in order to capture information about their customers through social networking platforms. An example application is that businesses can search for any tweets on Twitter that are related to their company. After finding tweets, they can capture the information that has been posted, follow discussions, and track future conversations about their company. This information can be used for customer service purposes, because these conversations that are held on Twitter can help companies draw conclusions on how their products and services are being used and if they are enjoyed. If they realize that customers have found unique ways of using one of their products, they can go about advertising and sharing that information with other customers.

Another way that cloud computing helps businesses is that there are ways to share information about a job opportunity. Cloud computing and social networks have been helping businesses recruit the best talent. You barely see anyone going to a company headquarters and handing in a resume requesting for an interview. Everything is done online. People post resumes, online portfolios, and profiles on LinkedIn, and businesses put up job postings on their website. Also, LinkedIn had sent me an article the other day revealing that more and more job seekers are getting their jobs through social media networks such as Facebook, and the link to that article can be found here.

LinkedIn Article

The Rise of Cloud Computing

Google

The rise of Google can be considered a strong influence on the way businesses are moving to cloud computing. Google had started giving out mailboxes that have gigabytes worth of memory space, while others have as few as 10 megabytes. Google Docs is a straightforward example of how the Internet has allowed people to collaborate on a single project at the same time just by going online.

Microsoft

The top tech companies from across the world are making sure that businesses are moving toward cloud computing. Microsoft as well is emphasizing the cloud after its launch of Windows 7 and Windows Live. With Windows 7 and Windows Live on a PC, one can create, connect, and share information through the cloud and people will be able to work more efficiently. The Microsoft Office Web Apps allow people to store and share files online, and the Windows Live Mesh allows you to sync folders on multiple PCs and share those synced files and folders. Just by implementing the Windows 7, Microsoft are getting companies, who have not been utilizing the cloud, to transition to using them.

Issues in Cloud Computing

Data synchronization is an issue that cloud computing is helping to solve. Today, many people rely on using small USB cords in order to transfer and sync data. However, since the drive is so small, it can be easy to lose. If you are only person working on the document, it could lead to a great headache if you end up losing your USB cord. One of the great benefits of cloud-based applications is that they remove the need for manually synching data between various devices, folders and files, while additionally making it easier for workers to collaborate on projects. Going back to Windows 7, one of the strengths is that it makes synching easy.

Another issue of cloud computing as it is definitely achieving increased popularity is that people don’t trust posting up information even though they set it to private. In the end the information is sent to a computer warehouse, which is publicly operated. Cloud providers must create error-proof systems in order to prevent leaks in data or access by third parties. Today, there are many security and privacy systems set in place to prevent these issues.

Next Steps

One of the next steps for cloud computing is to be able to keep up with the mobile world, because more and more people are relying on non-PC devices as their computing platform. For example, with the introduction of the iPhone and iPad, Apple has been valued at about $200 billion. This shows how people are more excited about the idea of being “mobile” rather than the idea of “cloud”. In order for businesses to stay on top of their game, they must introduce applications that allow for easy synchronization to mobile devices.

In the end, cloud computing is definitely the path that businesses today should and are moving towards. Businesses and people can benefit greatly from cloud computing in terms of saving costs and improving business performance, and they can also benefit from the connection between cloud computing and social networking applications. Additionally, although not everyone in the same company will use the same applications on a day-to-day basis, the nature of cloud computing allows businesses and people to have access to information whenever they need it. This allows for integration in companies and can lead to a very promising future.


References:

http://www.allthingscrm.com/cloud-computing/cloud-computing-and-the-outlook-for-business.html

http://www.allthingscrm.com/cloud-computing/top-ten-benefits-of-cloud-computing-to-your-business.html

http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/feature/5-Ways-Cloud-Computing-Will-Affect-Your-Business-in-2011-3914706-2.htm