What is this “Cloud” thing?
You have probably been hearing more and more about “The Cloud” and cloud this, and cloud that. What is this “Cloud” thing? The answer is easier than you may expect.
“The Cloud” is really just the new term for Internet-based Services such as Facebook, Hotmail, Amazon, Ebay. This are cloud based services.
ASP / SaaS = The Cloud
Previously these services were called such things as “Application Software Provider” ASP, or “Software as a Service” SAAS, or “On Demand” services. None of these terms were really easy to remember so now they are referred to as “The Cloud”.
Many of us are working in the Cloud on a fairly regular basis without really thinking about it. Every time you check your email on your smartphone, or update your Facebook or LinkedIn status you are using Cloud Services. If you use Google Apps to work with documents or spreadsheets you are working on a classic example of a a service in the Cloud.
The Advantage
There are lots of advantages of using the Cloud for small businesses and home offices. Many Cloud-based services offer robust features that were previously only available to larger organizations. For example the Cloud Backup Service we offer has features in it that used to cost tens of thousands of dollars at the enterprise level. Now you can run them from the Cloud for a small subscription each month.
Whether you realized it before or not – you work in the Cloud and you do it probably every day. Many business services are moving to the Cloud and it is in your best interest to take advantage of the features and pricing.
Now, next time you hear the term “the Cloud” you’ll know what they’re talking about.