Cloud Computing in the modern IT environment
Cloud computing is another name for the grid-based technology that got its start in the middle and late 1990s. It really took off in the end of 2007, and its primary use is to allow programs that are used every day to be stored online rather than on a computer in your office. A common example of cloud computing is web-based email, such as Gmail or Yahoo's email service for which you need a cloud webhosting. It's a lot easier to use email online than through a desktop program like Outlook; you can access your mail anywhere you can get on the Internet.
As cloud computing has become more common, services such as spreadsheets, presentations and word processing went online. Google started providing these applications in its cloud, integrating them with its Calendar and Gmail functions. Microsoft, which calls its cloud computing efforts 'software as a service', is moving various programs online to make them more accessible to everyone. Cloud computing is growing ever more popular; not only are Google and Microsoft getting in on the act, there are companies that are providing services that are designed to enhance or replace software on your computer.
Programming, development and computing technologies change every day, and the premise behind cloud computing is to make technology more user-friendly and simple. Web-based software development has been on the rise thanks to social networking and blogging sites that are helping businesses and people communicate with each other online. Cloud computing seems to be here for good, but some concerns about the security of personal data remain.
The chief concern is identity theft; companies providing cloud computing services take steps to protect personal data, but it is still the user's responsibility to safeguard their information. Before making a firm decision on cloud computing, look at the available services and test-drive some of them. Cloud-based solutions are changing the way people use their computers, and if it keeps its current growth rate, it may end up replacing many desktop applications.