What is cloud computing and how do I use it?

Cloud computing has been around for decades in different guises, but no firmly sits in the technology buzz words of today – but what does the term really mean? And how will cloud computing improve or affect your business?

Cloud computing is essentially the management and provision of applications, information and data as a service. These services are provided over the internet, often on a pay-as-you-use model.

Cloud computing is simply a way in which to access computing services over the internet with no necessity to physically have hardware, servers, over head or maintenance on site yourself. It reduces the need to store information physically on a PC, laptop, mobile device with the premise that the information can be freely and easily accessed via the internet. Another feature is it reduces the need to install in some cases to download or install software on your computer or device, thus helps reduce complexity and upgrades.

You are probably already using cloud computing services without realising it. Google is one of the most prominent companies offering software as a free online service to billions of users across the world. The internet giant hosts a set of online productivity tools and applications in the cloud such as email, word processing, calendars, photo sharing, and website creation tools.

Major corporations including Amazon, IBM, Sun, Cisco, Dell, HP, Intel, Novell and Oracle have also invested in cloud computing and are now offering individuals and businesses a range of cloud-based solutions.

Every day new start-ups are popping up offering their clients easier, better, faster and more secure options for cloud computing such as http://www.freshbooks.com/ for online invoicing, http://www.tactilecrm.com for online CRM helping you track sales leads. These are low-cost and simple but highly powerful applications that you access over the internet, thus keeping your data safe but accessible in or out of the office.

As BBC News stated 26 April 2010: ‘Cloud computing to double by 2012. The UK will spend over £1bn on cloud computing by 2012 – twice as much as today – researchers predict.’ (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8644110.stm)

Analysts have indicated that future technology leaders will gravitate to cloud-based models as a way to deploy software and to store content. IT research analyst Gartner listed Cloud Computing as a key Strategic Technology Area for 2010 in its report on the top IT trends to watch in 2010.

In January 2010 ABI Research estimated that more than 240 million business customers will be using cloud computing services on mobile devices by 2015.

The trend points to PCs becoming a gateway into the cloud – removing the need for onboard storage and freeing consumers to leap from one device to another depending on their needs whilst also reducing the overall weight, cost of the devices it also limits how much damage can be done to a business if crucial data is lost due to misplacing or having laptops stolen.

Stewart Townsend runs programmes to help support small business and start-ups across Europe, helping them to increase sales by defining their brand, engaging new technologies and utilising social media to increase their market awareness. He is an advisor to multiple businesses and sits on numerous judging panels, whilst also being asked to speak at events in the US and Europe.
Twitter: @stewarttownsend
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/stewarttownsend

Name:*				Company:
E-mail:*