Cloud computing offers some interesting alternatives for desktop and portable computing . As more companies move their operations to the cloud, the feasibility , reliability and overall benefits are beginning to be revealed . Cloud computing will continue to have a major impact on the structure and design of software in the next decades .
What is cloud computing? Cloud computing is a general term used to describe Internet -based computing rather than desktop-based computing . For example , if an application is placed in the cloud , basic computing, software and resources to move away from servers and personal computers. If you are looking for more , Wikipedia has a good article introducing cloud computing .
Who is going to the cloud? It seems that many see cloud-based computing as the next place to be. While the history of computing that goes way back , some of the best examples of this technology have come about more recently. Google has invested considerable resources in cloud-based computing with Google Docs sweet . Microsoft has incorporated the cloud in their most recent versions of Microsoft Office , which allows online document storage and collaboration.
What are the benefits? The benefits of moving applications to the cloud are numerous, but here are some . Here are some that come to mind :
Source Control - The company or individual who uses the cloud to your application has strict control over the source code of your application . Software functionality is generally much more difficult to reverse engineer, software registration or licenses can not be canceled and updates can be made at any time and all users are affected.
No software to install - Many software packages come with complicated and time consuming to install the software. A burden on the IT staff and general users whenever a new machine is purchased or software needs to be recharged is placed . With cloud-based computing , the software on the servers so the end user does not have to worry about installations or maintenance of software packages up to date - this is all done for them.
Simple cross-platform support - Often the software is available for PC or Mac . And more often than anything, the software is only available for certain versions of Windows or Mac OS . Moving applications to the cloud software greatly reduces the headache of being multiplatform. All modern operating systems (operating systems ) come with web browsers and can connect to the Internet and these are the only requirements to access a cloud-based application. No need to worry about special compilers or build special.
Data backup and reliability - If designed and implemented correctly, cloud-based applications can provide much more reliable than the average can of desktop computer . With redundant servers and impressive technologies failover instead of most data centers , Web sites can be designed so that they should never go down. In addition, data can be stored on redundant disk arrays in redundant servers or configured to backup on a regular basis . The customer equipment can be blocked, but your data will be safe with cloud computing .
Usage statistics - Usage Statistics become available when the software runs in the cloud. Software developers can quickly and easily see what offers its customers use and what features are lost . There is a level of monitoring available in the cloud that are not easily collected with the desktop software .
It is good for customers - Your customers will appreciate the movement of cloud-based computing . Rather than worry about installing proprietary software on each computer you want to use , only need to worry about remembering the web address and login. Working at home , in the park , in the cafeteria or even - God forbid - in the office. No matter where or what equipment is used if the software is based in the cloud.
Are there disadvantages? Cloud based computing comes with some obstacles that must be taken into account. It's not just a dream. Here are some that come to mind :
Browser - quirks - Each browser is different. Any web designer will tell you that the latest versions of Internet Explorer are especially difficult to work . A web programmer experienced and dedicated will be able to work around these features and provide a great user experience regardless of the browser used. In general, the problems that come with multi - browser support and much less problematic than creating special builds for each version of the operating system.
Internet access required - While this is a problem that is slowly disappearing and constant , however, is a drawback. Some people just do not have access to high speed internet . Without it , there is no way to use the cloud. In addition , Internet access has been known to lose or not be available at the time. Remember, however, that these issues are becoming gradually smaller and smaller the FCC implements its plan of access to broadband Internet and people begin to invest in technologies that provide secondary means of access to the Internet ( for example , cell phones and mobile hotspots ) .
Not for all applications - Cloud is a wonderful place to put software for many but not for all. There are still some software applications that work best on a personal computer in the cloud. For example, as a web developer, you probably do not have advantages for me to put the software to create web pages in the cloud. However, if I where to collaborate on a website design , collaboration would be perfect for the cloud environment setting , allowing all stakeholders to come together in one place (the cloud ) , even in remote places .
Moving from desktop software to the cloud requires planning and research. If applied properly, the potential benefits for companies and software companies is quite impressive. As we moved into the "era of the Internet," the cloud-based computing will become a mainstay of popular software programs .
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