A storm is brewing. Except the clouds in this storm are not full of rain and lightning. Instead they are full of all your files, software and data! The virtual cloud is ready to burst!
Welcome to the virtual machine where software is king and hardware is destined to take a back seat. Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand, in a similar way to the electricity grid.
Easy access to all your files
How would you like a situation that no matter where you were or what device you were using you could access the same desktop interface in whatever situation. This is the idea behind cloud computing. The ability to access a cloud where all our data is stored and the ability to access this same cloud on whatever device we are using. So instead of having to use things like Memory sticks, CD’s and Hard-drives we will instead just store all our data in this one area (the cloud) as there will be no need to transfer it to another place…the changeable element will instead be the device itself which is not location specific!
Collaboration made easier
Cloud computing also makes collaboration so much easier. We already use cloud computing in the form of the websites and applications on the internet. Things like our email…we access from a selection of different devices. Google documents is a more workable example of how we can currently use cloud computing, whereby we can save documents in folders and share them with others.
Powerful Wi-Fi connection needed
The fact remains though that cloud computing is reliant upon a strong internet connection which is probably what is currently holding it back. There is also the threat that someone could cut the ‘wires’ if we use fibre optic cables…so wireless internet seems to be the most logical route. Currently Wi-Fi connections are relatively slow but with advancements in technology this could be a workable solution.
The Wi-Fi Mesh
Norwich even had a wi-fi hotspot put across the whole city. The network is a Wi-Fi mesh - 200 devices, mostly attached to lampposts, which have two radios - one providing network access to laptops, PCs and smart phones in range, while the remaining communicate with other mesh devices. Obviously this wouldn’t be a physically secure method but as long as the devices are stored in a secure area you should avoid any theft issues.
Will my data be secure on the cloud?
The big fear with cloud computing is that your data will not be safe and that the cloud may collapse, thereby losing all your files! In reality though do you actually know where all you memory sticks are? The CD’s that you save to are gradually degrading everyday. The key to a secure cloud will be optimised software and a replication of data. Amazon is currently provides cloud computing services and it makes 6 different versions of every file saving it in 6 different locations, which should ease the fears over data safety.
A Virtual Machine
The virtual machines will work in a similar way to normal computers…you’ll be able to buy extra memory as well as purchase programmes which you can use across these devices. As a result of cloud computing, devices and computers will become cheaper due to them becoming lower spec…as everything will be run from the cloud. Music need not take up lots of space, simply run and play from the cloud.
Popular cloud applications
Here at ihm our sister company mailing manager www.mailingmanager.co.uk is an excellent example of a cloud computing app in the email marketing sector.
Other examples of cloud computing apps that are widely used are:
http://highrisehq.com/
http://basecamphq.com/
http://www.kashflow.co.uk/
Businesses use applications like basecamp because it is such a flexible tool and allows a team of people to work together from any location. This is the beauty of cloud computing, it isn’t reliant on any one device and once you have made the transition you will never look back.
So have a think next time you invest in an expensive PC…would your money be best saved for the incoming cloud?
Tags: cloud-computing, Future-Technologies, Wireless-Internet
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August 12th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Nice article here, but I have a few gripes with it I’m afraid.
Your argument against data being “secure on the cloud” any sense, if you had a memory stick with important passwords, or perhaps childrens photos, invoices etc, you would know where it is, or if you had misplaced it, most likely in your own home, not accessible by the WORLD. Clearly people aren’t worried about files the majority of people put on memory sticks ie random documents, music files.
Also, although dying down, PC gaming is still a huge thing, and there is literally no way that you could run a computer game like Crysis over the internet (I’m not talking about online play, but running the game files from the internet), it’s just impossible.
August 20th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
You say your data is more secure on a memory stick, but it really isn’t. It’s like storing your savings underneath your bed and believing your money will be safe.
With your reference to PC gaming you are still thinking in the here and now. What you think is impossible now will probably be happening in ten years time. Nice thoughts though :).