The,Advantages,Cloud,Computing DIY The Advantages of Cloud Computing
When starting a new work at home business it is very easy to become consumed by it. We spend so much time trying to get the business up and running that we may end up becoming burned out and lose our motivation. There is so much to learn and Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in
Cloud computing is very much a buzzphrase at the moment it effectively means using applications thatare based on the internet instead of on your computer for exampleusing webmail, such as Gmail instead of a email client, such asOutlook. But what are the advantages of using software in thismanner and why are many businesses increasingly moving towards thisapproach?1. Easily shared. Web-basedapplications allow your staff to access their information fromanywhere, and allows them to view and edit the same information atonce. This allows more collaborative working and ensures your teamworks more efficiently.2. Improved continuity of service. Software as a service (SaaS) allows us to ensure that all users ofthe software are using the same version. This is because updates tothe software are deployed by us, rather than expecting the users toupdate software that is sat on their computer. This means that thissoftware is easier to support as we immediately know what version youare using if you require support.3. Rapid improvements in functionality. If an application is hosted in the cloud it allows the developers toroll out improvements rapidly, meaning any development work done forone client can be enjoyed by the rest of the customers.4. Ensure backups for the customer. Cloud applications are generally backed up at least once a day. Manysmall businesses are aware that they are supposed to do backups, butthe responsibility is not part of any one person's job description,so backups can be patchy or even forgotten about all together. Evenif the backups are done, there can be a lack of knowledge of what todo if the backup is needed and many businesses that I have visitedhave never even thought to take the backup off site.5. Lower costs. Web-based softwaremeans you don't have to pay for software up front, you don't have toinvest in expensive server infrastructure, and you don't need staffto have any level of IT expertise. You also only have to pay forwhat you use no annual contracts.6. Adaptable and flexible. Due tolower investment costs it is easy to change applications. You canrapidly increase the number of servers your application is hosted on,which means as you increase the number of staff, the software keepsup with you.7. APIs. Due to the nature of cloudapplications, they often have an API to allow them to integrate withother applications, allowing the user to have a more integratedexperience if they are looking to use a range of differentapplications.8. Interoperability Our software Malinko like most web-based software, does not have a preferencewhat kind of computer or operating system you are using. We wererecently challenged about how many different systems it can actuallybe used on, so we decided to test it. Although not an exhaustivelist, we now know it works on the following systems:- Windows 7 using IE 7,8,9; Chrome10,11,12,13; Firefox 3,4,5,6; Opera 10,11; Seamonkey; Orca; Avant;Maxthon- Mac OSX using Safari; Chrome10,11,12,13; Firefox 3,4,5,6; Opera 10, 11; Camino; Seamonkey- Linux using Firefox; Chrome; Opera;Midori- iPad using Safari; Diigo; Firefox- Kindle using embedded browser- Android phones, iPhones andBlackberries.So, there you have 41 differentcombinations, and as I said its not even an exhaustive list!
The,Advantages,Cloud,Computing