Life On The Cloud!!
Imagine being able to connect places without bridges.
Imagine being able to access data from anywhere in the world.
Imagine being able to use one of the most powerful computer servers on the planet with just a phone.
Move files, use applications, live online.
Welcome to the world of Cloud Computing….
Facebook, Skype, Twitter, and many such web apps have become an integral part of the daily routine for many, if not an obsession. These web apps are a reality today, thanks to the evolving concept of “Cloud Computing”. You use clouds every day without ever realising it- almost every time you pull out your netbook, tablet, smartphone and yes, computer. Every time you check Google Maps for directions, place a file in Dropbox, save notes on Evernote, share a file on Google Docs and even check emails and schedule on your calendar, your applications are being synced with the cloud. So what does this “cloud thing” refer to?
Cloud Computing refers to performing computer tasks using services delivered entirely over the Internet. It consists of services that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, depicting the model of single point access for all of our computing needs. Cloud computing allows you to have various services shifted onto a ‘cloud’ which can be accessed via the Internet from anywhere in the world using almost any platform. Data of all forms, service applications, software and much more-all saved on the cloud, presenting us with a safe and secure repository available for use across multiple platforms. Cloud computing requires no special hardware or software, no installation – just plug and use utility. And in the event that your system fails you can always move to another and the risk of losing information is completely eliminated as everything has been saved on the cloud. There is location transparency, privacy and ease of access – what more could you ask for?
It goes without saying that the future is out there on the clouds. That’s why NUS Student Chapter of the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) feels that there is a need to spread knowledge about this rapidly-progressing technology. We’re proud to announce our CLOUD COMPUTING WORKSHOP AND DEMO which will give you a sneak-peek into the world of cloud computing and teach you to work on a cloud. This event is aimed at all of you who believe that this rapidly-progressing field is the future and for those of you who are interested in seeing a world where computing has no physical constraints. As for the future of cloud computing, who knows what other possibilities are yet to be discovered? The sky is the limit –rather, in this case, limitless!
Taking cue from our last workshop, there may even come a time when the androids of the future have access to the cloud and are artificially intelligent enough to operate independently using cloud control. It truly gives us something to ponder over-why not have one giant cloud that all users (humans and robots alike) on Earth can access? Our world’s progress depends on the power of future Internet connectivity.
Ultimately it’s time our networks become untethered.
Let’s keep our heads in the Clouds and see where it takes us.
It’s amazing to think about all the applications and services that are power by cloud infrastructure. Is there anything that cannot be ‘cloudified’?
Hi Rondol,
I think the biggest concern with moving an application on the cloud is security and for this reason alone, many insurance IT executives have been reluctant to move to the cloud.
“But there’s always been an underlying assumption that the value proposition of the cloud is too compelling to ignore—the provisioning of applications and processing power almost “too cheap to meter.”
I am quite interested in and a big fan of cloud computing and so I have read some studies. On your question, one particular study comes to my mind – http://www.redstor.com/downloads/cloud-dividend-report.pdf. This is a very credible study which concludes that cloud computing is not going to yield much, especially in terms of small business productivity.
Since I remember it, I would quote from the classical business book, ‘Re-Engineering the Corporation, A manifesto for Business Revolution’ which is “Automate a mess, get an automated mess.” In other words, if you have inefficient processes and bad management culture, technology really can’t be expected to smooth things over. However, what it would do is commit the same mistake a lot faster, thus amplifying the problem.
When I think of it, I really can’t find a clear answer to your question. However, as far as I can think of, there is nothing except security concerns that prevents an application for moving to the cloud. In the end, it comes down to whether your organization is willing to transform its day-to-day workings (for the better, certainly), transformation that emphasizes innovation and inspired leadership, to make the transition to the cloud. You won’t find these qualities in a cloud just as you won’t find them in a server closet.
Shubbam, great points about leadership. About small business, I think as a raw number in saving for productivity small businesses will not see the same gains as enterprises, however many cloud services lower barriers for improved productivity such as Google Apps, Zoho, Basecamp and such that do not require software installations and specific hardware specs.