Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is becoming more popular by the day.  Because of its growing popularity, more and more companies are finding ways to utilize cloud computing.   

There are several types of cloud computing.  One of the most common types of cloud computing is infrastructure as a service (IaaS).  “Customers can buy processing, storage, and network services (typically using a Web-based self-service tool) and then build their own systems on top of this infrastructure.”  [1]  A popular company that uses IaaS is Amazon.

There are many benefits to cloud computing.  An article from salesforce.com listed the following as the top ten benefits to switch your business to cloud computing.

1.    Flexibility-provider can instantly meet the demand of the company

2.    Disaster recovery-cloud computing providers fix most issues, unless it has to do with individual computer.

3.    Automatic software updates-suppliers do server and security maintenance, so company doesn’t need to.

4.    Cap-Ex free-cloud computing services are typically pay as you go, so there’s no need for capital expenditures at all.

5.    Increase collaboration-allows employees to work on the same project, and even document at the same time.

6.    Work from anywhere-if the employee has internet access, they are able to access work through the cloud

7.    Document control-Files are accessed by all employees from the same place, therefore any employee can access.  Employees don’t have to email documents to one another, and are always able to look at same document.

8.    Security-If a laptop is lost; all the files are not lost with it.

9.    Competitiveness-faster disaster recovery gives a competitive edge over competitors.

10. Environmentally friendly-businesses only use server space needed.  [2]

Cloud computing can be used with other technology to make desktop computers a thing of the past.  A tablet, or any mobile device can be used in place of a desktop.  With desktop as a service (Daas) cloud computing, a cloud-based virtual desktop, the tablet could be used like a desktop computer.  Another way a tablet can get rid of a desktop by using the interface to set up company applications (apps).  Mobile device management (MDM) systems can provide important security functions, such as enforcing tablet configuration policies, whitelisting and blacklisting apps, enabling encryption and remotely wiping lost or stolen devices.  [3]  This allows a company to use tablets and cloud computing instead of desktops/laptops as their main office tools.

There are many ways that cloud computing is revolutionizing the workplace.  In the coming years, many new companies will switch to cloud computing.  The CRN predicts that by 2014, small businesses will spend almost $100 billion on cloud computing services.  [2]  Because of the amount of companies switching to cloud computing, it is important that all prospective employees learn how to use cloud computing.

[1]   http://www.technologyreview.com/news/425618/cloud-computing-defined/#comments

[2]   http://www.salesforce.com/uk/socialsuccess/cloud-computing/why-move-to-cloud-10-benefits-cloud-computing.jsp

[3]   http://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/tip/How-cloud-computing-tablets-will-reshape-the-desktop