What is Cloud Computing

Technology, the challenger:
They say change means progress. But in the world of technology change is so frequent that to keep pace with it can be taxing not just on your nerves but also on your wallet too. Technology, for sure, makes business management, a convenient task. But it is continuously changing as new developments appear every second day. So to keep pace with the changing trends, you need to continuously upgrade your technology set up. With the frequent purchase of new applications, licences etc., the entire affair is going to be an expensive one. But is there a solution for this situation?

Technology, the solution provider:
The beauty of technology is that while, on one end, it poses new challenges, on the other it also provides easy alternatives. To keep pace with the changing trends, you need to add on new applications, but the good news is that you needn’t buy them. You can be on par with the best by just hiring the latest. Yes, you read it right. You can hire the applications you require and pay for what you use. And that’s where Cloud Computing steps in.
What is Cloud Computing?
There are servers out there on the World Wide Web that host various applications, which can be hired. In the lexicon of the virtual world, these remote servers are called ‘Clouds’. A ‘cloud’ is where you will find a host of ‘pay per use’ applications waiting to be hired. You can access the ‘cloud’ through an internet service provider. And the process of using the applications on these ‘clouds’ is called Cloud Computing.
The cloud can be created by a group of companies or by people of a particular area. For a better understanding we can compare the system with already existing processes that run on similar lines. Consider the email services; you can access your Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail account only when you are plugged on to the Internet. The reason why you cannot access the Internet offline is because the files are stored on a remote server and disconnecting the Internet will disconnect you from the server. Cloud Computing works on similar lines.

Advantage of Cloud Computing:

COST EFFECTIVENESS
Cloud Computing is a new concept, but it does need new investment. Once you subscribe to Cloud Computing, you can access applications and data through your desktop, laptop or a tablet using an Internet Service Provider. Not only is this a cost-effective solution but the amount of human effort and time saved is substantial too.

OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
Cloud Computing takes the existing systems to a next level. It is a process wherein you could virtually skip installing the application software and use an entirely web-based programme for all your functions. And the same ‘cloud’ can be accessed on multiple computers. This means a company, or a group of companies, can use a single cloud for all of their system requirements. The process does not require to be installed on every computer as the service is a built-in feature, thus enhancing the efficiency of your company’s operations.

ACCESSIBILITY AND DATA MANAGEMENT
Mobility is an important factor in Cloud Computing. Since your data is stored in a remote server you can access them from anywhere without the dependability on a particular device. Moreover data sharing means all the files created under the company can be accessed by whosoever is required to and from anywhere. Since companies create invoices and receipts and the data is managed manually, often there are multiple copies of the same file created by individuals involved in the transaction. In cloud computing since all this data will be shared on the cloud it rules out the need of multiple copies. Since data management is enhanced, the servers will run more efficiently, this will in turn affect the sustainability positively. The data that your business accumulates over the years can be managed effectively and is safely stored in remote servers. Disasters of any kind at your business place will not affect your vital data.

With these advantages Cloud Computing, true to its name, is fast spreading across. The technology is still incipient and further development will only enhance its features. Amongst the well-known brands, Google and Apple are providing a cloud service in a trial form. Since it is apparent that Cloud Computing can be a better alternative, many companies are embracing it. Yes, Cloud Computing is here to stay.