If anyone’s ever said to “You’ve got your head in the clouds!” it might be a good thing, especially if it involved Cloud Computing.
I’ve been hearing the term quite a bit lately and I decided to do a little investigating to find out the answer to these two questions:
1. what is cloud computing
2. how does cloud computing work
How Does Cloud Computing Work?
Cloud computer works by hosting your information on computers ‘out there’ ‘in the cloud’. The cloud is basically a batch of computers called data centers or servers that hold your information (files,images,videos,etc) and can be located anywhere. You’re working in a cloud because you don’t have to store software or files on your own computer.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
As I see it there are many advantages:
- No expensive software to buy.
- Avoid the expense of updates and maintenance.
- Access programs and files from anywhere.
- Run complicated programs without the tech experience.
- Allows the experts to do updates and preventative maintenance quickly.
I use cloud computing for my business ALL the time and I LOVE it. I didn’t realize it was called cloud computing until doing this research but there are actually very few programs I run on my own computer.
Here are just a few of the ‘cloud computing’ services I use:
Gmail for Email – I’ve never had my own software-based email program. I’ve always had an internet or cloud based email. First I started with Yahoo, then Hotmail and now I’ve fallen completely and totally in love with Gmail.
Freshbooks for Business Bookkeeping – I’m on a bit of a Freshbooks kick this week as this is my third post mentioning them but as I said above they are in the cloud. Freshbooks is an online billing program that I love to use. It’s accessable from anywhere, even has an iphone app.
WordPress for Website Design – Oh what would I do without my cloud based WordPress! I’m pretty sure this qualifies as cloud computing as the program is on my hosting account. Cloud computing experts correct me if I’m wrong here.
Basecamp for Project Management – Definitely cloud computing. I’d put Basecamp on my list of must-have tools for anyone working with clients or a team. It’s the ultimate collaboration tool because it’s always online and it’s easy for everyone to access.
Audio Acrobat for Podcasts & Audios – I use audio acrobat to record, host and stream all my audios. It’s out there ‘in the cloud’. That leads me worry free when it comes to audio and I like that.
Aweber for Email Marketing – Can’t forget the email service provider I use for all my email marketing. Aweber is a software program that stores lists of people who’ve signed up to receive more information and allows me to send them targeted messages.
That’s just a short sampling of the cloud computing programs I use. What about you? Do you have any examples?
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
I’m sure there must be some disadvantages so I’ll see what I can come up with here. How about:
- Unsure about security, just have to trust the company.
- Companies have access to your information, again comes down to trust.
- Any other ideas?
Overall I don’t really care if it’s called internet based programs, software as a service or cloud computing. I’m just really glad it was invented and those data centers can hold the huge amounts of info all use users pump out on a daily basis!
