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Web-Based Applications That Change the Way You Work and Collaborate Online

The term “cloud computing” represents a group of computers that are networked and connected to the internet. Engineers put this name due to the ways that they draw diagrams of computer networks. They usually symbolize them as clouds, as the name suggests.

Who Should Read “Cloud Computing”? And Why?

Miller’s “Cloud Computing” is a simply written book that will explain cloud computing in the most straightforward way possible. We all encounter cloud computing in our everyday lives. We use applications, we access them through the Internet, and we have our data stored in the cloud.

Although different applications have different target groups, the way they work is similar. Staying on pace with the present trends may make you more competitive on the market. And since cloud computing is the next big thing, it would not harm you to get at least some basic knowledge of the topic.

That is precisely what Miller’s book is. A basic and straightforward guide that will help you understand the world you live in. And maybe even make it work in your favor.

About Michael Miller

Michael Miller is a prolific author of more than 80 nonfiction books, written in the past two decades. He is famous for his simple style and his ability to present complex topics in an understanding manner.

His books include: Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics, Making a Living from Your eBay Business, Googlepedia: The Ultimate Google Resource, Is It Safe? Protecting Your Computer, Your Business, and Yourself Online, How Microsoft Windows Vista Works, etc.

“Cloud Computing Summary”

They are represented as clouds because often when it comes to many networked computers, their configuration does not matter. They are numerous, so regardless their separate capacity, together they hold immense aggregate power.

It may sound like a complicated topic, but in reality, all of us are functioning in the cloud every day. Mail, Facebook, Google Spreadsheets, Flickr are all examples of cloud-based applications.

In simple words, cloud computing is storing data on the Internet, and having a virtual data center that users can access. Some of the cloud-based applications are focused on consumers, while other focus on enterprises as end customers.

Cloud computing has many advantages. Users can access data from anywhere, from any device and location. Hardware no longer cages data. Any computer that has access to the internet can connect to the cloud and access any needed data.

Another good thing about cloud computing is that users can choose the amount of capacity they use according to their preferences.

Given that cloud computing is a huge trend, many companies have already adopted it as a new way of functioning. On the other hand, others are worried about the security of the cloud.

However, it seems that these worries are unsupported. Just ask yourself: is our security that much better than that of a cloud provider? On the contrary, even if we back up data regularly, cloud providers have far more experience in securing data.

The truth is that most companies and users do not implement rigorous security practices on a regular basis. So, if you plan to move to the cloud, you should take security concerns with a grain of salt. Look at the situation of your company realistically. Are you indeed safer now than you would be in the cloud?

Most of the time new technologies are old technologies recombined in a fresh way. Not even the Internet is an exception to this rule. Neither are some consisting aspects of the cloud computing. Parts of it have been present in different forms in the past also.

But as new technologies appear, these components are being recombined. That is how cloud computing changed the Internet from being simply a place to show text and images – to the computing platform it is today.

And when it comes to the future, well, who knows? The possibilities are endless.

Key Lessons from “Cloud Computing”

1.      Types of cloud computing services
2.      Benefits of Cloud Computing
3.      Limitations of cloud computing

Types of cloud computing services

Cloud computing is relatively new and has not yet reached extensive coverage. However, its future looks promising. Still, even now, different cloud computing subtypes are emerging. Some of them include:

• “Software-as-a-Service” (SaaS)

The software merchant hosts its application on a datacenter, where thousands of internet users can reach it through a web browser.

• “Platform-as-a-Service” (PaaS)

Platforms that give developers a set of building blocks, which they use to build their applications.

• “On-demand computing” or “Infrastructure-as-a-Service” (IaaS)

Provide computing and storage for developers and IT professionals. This potential can be used in an amount and timing according to the wishes of a developer.

• “Web services”

Web services are reachable by using API (application programming interface). APIs are used to create SaaSs and upgrade other Web sites.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has numerous benefits. Since all data is placed in the cloud, users don’t need machines with as much storage and processing power as before. That means that users no longer need expensive computers.

Companies also face lower infrastructure and software costs. Data doesn’t overfill the machines, so their performance increases. Also, the aggregate computer power is immense. Businesses no longer have to concern themselves with making room for all documents and media.

The cloud provides them with unlimited storage. The cloud computing providers update the software in the cloud, so updates stop being a problem for companies and users. When they log in, users always get the latest version of the software.

The cloud is created using open standards. Hence, interoperability issues don’t frequently occur in it. Storing and editing documents on the cloud makes collaboration not only possible but also effortless. You can upload a document and give access at any time to whomever you want to.

And lastly, you or collaborators are no longer limited to devices. You can access the cloud anywhere.

Limitations of cloud computing

Cloud computing, like all other things, also has some limitations. First, to access the cloud, you need internet.

However, as time passes and internet availability becomes universal, this drawback holds less power. Another shortcoming is the fewer features the cloud offers opposed to other desktop applications. In either case, these deficiencies are insignificant compared with all the positive points of the cloud.

And that is why, shortly, cloud computing will undoubtedly become the standard computing approach among users in the future.

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“Cloud Computing” Quotes

Emir Zecovic

Emir is the Head of Marketing at 12min. In his spare time, he loves to meditate and play soccer.