Cloud computing has become a buzzword in recent years and at the same time it continues to remain confusing for many. Especially businesses are shifting from traditional servers to cloud due to the various benefits offered.
So let’s understand what cloud computing means.
Basic Definition
It is simply a variant of the “client-server” computer concept: a workstation (client) uses software or data located on a server connected in a network (Internet, in this case) in order to lighten its workload and reduce the amount of data stored locally on its computer.
This means that we can access all our information and documents wherever we are (Gmail or Windows Live for E-mail, Google Docs or Dropbox or Box for documents, Flickr or Picasa for photos, etc.).
Advantages of cloud computing
- No need of software installation or updation as they are managed by the provider
- No hardware maintenance (addition of hard disks, etc.) on the server(s). Storing, managing and processing will be done by the the service provider.
- Access data on the go and from any device (computer, mobile, tablet) irrespective of the location.
- Data is backed-up automatically
- Ability to measure the use of resources made available to clients
- Optimal performance: the infrastructure (servers) is updated as needed
Disadvantages
- No control over the use of data stored on an external server (versus personal or office computer). So there is always a risk of data security.
- In case of local internet failure (home or office), access to the data and software won’t be possible.
- If the failure happens at the service provider’s end where all your software or data are stored, then data access will be difficult till the time they are back and working
Cloud services you are already using
More and more companies offer data storage services via the Web or “software on demand” (accessible via a web browser, in particular). Just think of EverNote, Box, or DropBox, for storing or synchronizing documents and other files… or Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365, for “software on demand”.
On the online storage side, Apple offers iCloud, its online storage service, allowing users to access all their content (music, photos, documents and applications) wherever they are as long as they have access to an internet connection, of course.
Another product by technology giant Google Music, which will do much the same thing as iCloud on the music side.
Moreover, Google is the perfect example, with its Gmail email service, its Picasa photo hosting service, its Google Docs office suite and everything else.
Even its Android Market keeps information about applications purchased or installed on your devices and allows you to install an application from your PC, without touching the targeted device!
In fact, if you’ve never done it, try it! Sitting in front of your PC, choose an Android Market application – free or not, install it on your phone or tablet by selecting your device from the list. The installation will boot automatically in seconds, without you having touched anything! But make sure your device is on or in standby mode for the magic to happen.
Conclusion
The cloud will become increasingly important in our lives, both at work and at home.
However, the concerns about data security will always be present no matter who the cloud provider is.
There is also the possibility of a failure, which prevents the user from accessing his software or data…
In short, by using these services carefully (encrypting your data) and intelligently (not relying solely on the cloud and making sure you have a copy of the software or data accessible at all times), the experience will be all the more enjoyable.
As every technology has it’s own pros and cons the benefits offered by cloud service providers are worth trying provided the vendor you decide to choose is reputed and reliable especially when it comes to security of your valuable data.
