Cloud Computing: what is it and why should we care?

16 Nov Cloud Computing: what is it and why should we care?

If you have not heard, cloud computing (CC) is an emerging topic in geek circles everywhere. You will probably start seeing commercials referencing it soon, as a variety of companies try to provide us with the next generation of business solutions. So what is cloud computing? Well, “the cloud” refers to the internet and “computing” refers to technology or resources. Simply put, cloud computing means using software, resources, and tools on the internet to complete, share, process, and collaborate. You may be asking: isn’t that what I’m already doing with email? The answer is: it depends.

First off, let me state that CC can mean a variety of services because there are several levels of it. I don’t want to concern you with the more technical services that probably are not applicable to you. For the purposes of this blog posting, think of CC as Software as a Service or SaaS. What SaaS provides is software that you would normally find on your computer via the internet.

For you visual learners, here is a video explanation: Cloud Computing in Plain English

A perfect example of this service is Google apps and the more commonly used Google documents. Google apps provides several software solutions in a web browser that you traditionally had to download or buy disks for, including a word processing application, a slide show application, a spreadsheet application, and a web design tool. Google apps offers the same solution and you only need a web browser and an internet connection.

Another service under the CC umbrella is secure file storage. In the past, you saved your files on your hard drive or in some cases on a jump drive. Several SaaS (including Google Apps) solutions will also allow you to store all of your files online.

So now that I’ve answered the what, we should talk a bit about the why. What is the benefit of CC? Well the first thing that comes to mind is portability/flexibility. Just think of a day where you don’t worry about what computer or jump drive your files are stored on. Think of a day where you buy a new computer and there is nothing to install before you are ready to start being productive. You can work from any computer (or mobile device) anywhere in the world with an internet connection and all your resources are available.

Another benefit that comes to mind is collaboration. Think about how much time you’ve spent sending emails with attachments only to get confused about what version of the file you are working with. Is this the file with the third changes I made? Several CC solutions will allow you to share your files with whomever you want with a variety of privileges including read only, write, and take ownership. You don’t have to worry about having the latest file because only one copy of the file exists. In many cases, collaborative changes are made in real-time so you can see changes as they are made. Some solutions also enable chat with multiple contributors in real-time.

I hope you have a better understanding CC and some of the possibilities. If you haven’t looked at Google Docs, please do so. All you need is a Google email account. I purposely left out what I think are possible uses in the classroom/educational environment because I want you to think about those and post your thoughts and possibilities as comments. I’m excited to read what you come up with.

Arturo