Up in the sky..it’s a bird…no, it’s a plane…wait, no, it’s cloud computing! First of all, what is cloud computing? Cloud computing is simply putting files, e-mails, or applications on the Internet. In essence, it allows for easy online storage, which doubles as a file backup, that may be accessed from any computer at anytime.
For instance, Gmail, Yahoo, and MSN are examples of cloud computing in its simplest form. E-mails are stored online and may be accessed anywhere. Plus, e-mails are also backed up online so there is no need to worry about creating a backup via external hard drive or otherwise. Online file storage / backup is also a method of cloud computing, for example, iBackup, Carbonite, SugarSync, and DropBox, are great ways to back up and store your files to be used on all of your computers.
But, the cool factor about cloud computing and where we’re headed is storing applications online. Think Google apps. With Google apps, you can create a document (Google Docs) or spreadsheet; store it online; and give access to others for collaboration. On the more advanced end, companies are using online software programs versus the physical CDs for software to install on every computer. In the end, companies are able to save since the online software includes updates, sharing ability, and doesn’t require costly software upgrades or computer repair / tech support every year.
When putting the software computing into practice, that’s still a little murky. Lots of cloud computing service provider companies try to package cloud computing into a CRM, or customer relationship management software. What does that mean? Lots of companies are looking to customize a program just for companies so they can capitalize on this cloud computing hype. So, beware. There are lots of software, such as Zoho, that are already available for testing and full usage.
The challenge is that beyond Google apps, there are so many different cloud computing applications so that it makes it difficult to be on the same platform for different companies or home users. It is easy for one company to decide on which online app they’re going with, but if they want to share it out with another company or someone outside the business, they’ll need to make sure they are both on the same online app.
Currently, it is like the Wild, Wild West of cloud computing where numerous companies are jockeying for position. So, hopefully, in the end, we’ll have a few to choose from, such as Google, Amazon Web Services, and Zoho, so that everyone will be able to play nicely together. Cloud computing will not be reallly popular until the many cloud providers are weeded out and we’re left with only a few cloud computing companies to choose from. Until then, it is generally confusing for the typical computer user to decide which one to go with, and how to ensure it is compatible with another company. Thus, this will still prompt folks to use desktop software, such as Microsoft Office, until everyone is onboard with a few cloud computing companies.
