Saturday 22 September 2012

Cloud Computing – The Next Step of the Online Technological Revolution



What exactly is the “cloud”?

The cloud is a metaphor for the internet. Cloud computing is the process of using the internet as your personal online tool to store data, update software and run applications.  This new era in technology promises convenience and efficiency to all users. Cloud computing is the future of business.


The Advantages of Cloud Computing


Portability           

Imagine have the ability to access your online data from anywhere in the world? With cloud computing this is not only a possibility, its reality. Whether it’s running an online business or accessing your files for a school assignment, all you need is an internet connection.

 

Cost Efficiency

Running an online business is costly. As your client base increases, investment in new software services is essential. You’ll need more space to hold all that new information and consumer data. This means spending money on data storage servers, software updates and management to run these new devices.

Do you see the flaw in this solution?  What happens if your client base suddenly decreases in size? What do you do if you’re a small business owner and you can’t afford this new investment?  Cloud computing is your answer. Amazingly with cloud computing you buy the exact amount of storage space you need, no more, no less, saving you money on storage facilities and unwanted employees.
  

Data Efficiency

Do you need to be a tech expert to use cloud computing? Absolutely not! Storing information in the cloud is quick and easy. With an unlimited storage capacity you don’t have to worry about running out of space. Since all your data is stored in the cloud, the entire process of backing up and recovering your files is much simpler than other traditional methods of data storage.


 
Cloud computing allows us to use our computer resources more efficiently.  It is rapidly changing the way people do business over the internet. Gone are the days of saving your work with a USB stick and working from the same computer. This tool is a sensational piece of innovative technology!



22 comments:

  1. About cost efficiency part, if it saves so much, does it need strong and powerful technical support and complex maintain process? By the way, I can't help thinking about what if our school service like e-learn start to use it...it would save a lot of trouble for us.

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    1. Excellent questions! The "cloud" is run on a shared data center. Every account is customized to his/her confort level and need. So you don't need technical support, it's easy to understand. I think this is one of the main reasons it so popular.

      It would be a great benifit to students if Mohawk went "cloud." Having the ability to save your assignments without worring about losing your USB stick.

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    2. The idea of Mohawk using cloud computing would be quite amazing. But looking back to the beginning of every semester, when mocomotion crashes or is not running at 100% I have my doubts about Mohawk's IT department and their ability to setup and run a service like cloud computing. Good job, Will.

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  2. Cloud computing seems like a great idea and something that many of us students can even benefit from. Not having to update software would save us the lost time and energy. Cloud computing is great for businesses because you pay for what you use..no wasted money-something that we all love to hear.

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    1. I totally agree. If technology can come up with this, what will they think of next?

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  3. New technology is great like cloud computing because it has "strong information quick and easy". also, cost efficiency has huge space to storage your data without worry and it is so easy to make back up for your files and you can access to your information from any internet connection.

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    1. It's an excellent innovation. Who wouldn't want to save money on a product that is easy to use and is eco-friendly?

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  4. What I like about cloud computing is that it is a cheap, fast and efficent way for small businesses to set up applications and a general server for their businesses. Any advancments that can help out businesss; especially small businesses and can save them money and time I think are going to be the main focus point in the near future. My only question is how secure is it's secruity. I know it said "most secure", but I would have liked a little more detail from the video. Internet theft is at an all-time high, so as a busines owner, I would make that a high priority in information that I would like to have. Other then that, great read and video. It's cool to see where we are taking things to a new level.

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  5. Excellent point. From time to time there are "outages." This does not mean that computers are getting hacked or that information is lost. Google and Amazon are companies that both use cloud services. Since everything is online security is taken more seriously and is that much tighter.

    Cloud computing is designed to back up your files after each transaction, instantly. So should something fail within the service, the last backup was only moments before the last transaction. But if you're still worried about security you can use your own form of data encryption to help protect your files ontop of the security measures in the "cloud."

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  6. The main attraction i find to cloud computing is the simplicity of it. Many consumers do not possess an extensive computer-technological skill set. This is a huge selling point for someone like me who's computer skills go about as far as me posting on this blog lol I am also intrigued by the fact if you are investing in cloud computing, you can purchase the exact amount of data space needed. I like the point you made how constantly upgrading software can put a serious hole in your wallet. CLoud computing seems to me like a sure cost effective investmentand i will definatly keep it in mind for future use. Good article Will

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  7. Before I read this blog I was not very familiar with cloud computing, I believe this an attribute every system should have. This is great for students because of its low cost, as well as a great tool for companies because of the quick and easy set up. Cloud computing seems very efficient for consumers of all kinds, Great article.

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  8. I think this system can help every sytem out there and people should start reading and learning more about cloud computing. Great article

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  9. using the cloud is extremely simple and can help even the most technologically challeneged people or businesses. it is very easy to sync all of the devices within the system. this means that different departments can have access to each others material. the cloud could help businesses very effectively reduce the complexity of sharing material between departments of the business.

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  10. I think the idea of using a cloud is smart but also dangerous. the idea of all my information floating in the air so that I can access it makes me think that anybody could hack into my information. I would only use a cloud function for certain things but not anything to important, such as finaincal issues such as banking or making payments.

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  11. Thank you William for this post. In fact cloud computing is a convenient feature that lets you move beyond time zone and geographical location issues. you can access the information from anywhere if you have internet connection.

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  12. I had no idea about what the cloud was before this post and other posts about the same topic. I have seen this in a lot of places. Even on my Xbox, there is an option to save your data in the 'cloud'. It's definitely going to detail how data is managed in the future!

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  13. I started using Google Docs this summer while working for a web Hosting company called HostPapa. I think this innovative and strategic way of doing business is essential for growth and integration within a company.
    For instance when I first started I was filling out reports that were compiled in excel spreadsheets which I had to send out daily to people on their computer and then they would have to download it and open it and it was a huge mess. I then uploaded them onto a Google Docs spreadsheet which allowed me to work from anywhere not just my work computer, email collaborators once I finished updating for the day (which means just sending an email to all the people this document was shared with), and I could see when my managers where viewing the document or where they wanted changes made. We could all be working on the reports simultaneously. This was very cost effective, efficient, and less timely.

    I now work from home and am able to use Google Docs in the cloud for everything I do. It is all instantaneously saved and my managers are always able to see my work and what I am doing. Sometimes creepy, but good, because we can chat about what needs to be done.

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    1. I believe that cloud computing will phase out the traditional server set up in the future. It's cheaper, reliable, and saves costs from a company's perspective. Any educational institution would benefit from switching to the cloud to increase proficiency.
      Great post!

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  14. Cloud computing is the next big step when it comes to computers. I know that Google is developing a 'Cloud book' that does not have any "My Docs" or any thing of that manner, it works through Google Drive and all files are saved online so that no matter what happens to your cloud book, you will not loose your files. It truly is an incredible technology!

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  15. I am defiantly going to look more into Cloud computing, it sounds like it could be a valuable assets to me, the computer I am currently using doesn't have much data storage, and this seems to be exactly what I need to store my files, thank you for the informative post.

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  16. Great Post, to add more cloud computing accomplishes a better response time in most cases than your standard server and hardware. It reduces your hardware (computers, software (all those downloaded programs), networking management and overall IT expenses. In addition, with cloud computing, you pay for what you use.

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  17. Prior to this post I had no idea what Cloud Computing even was. I think the could is idea for small businesses especially for the cost efficiency. It allows to be able to manage funds and resources. I am actually going to suggest that my workplace look into cloud computing. Very informative.

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