Thursday, February 19, 2009

What is Cloud Computing?

With the recent popularity surge of netbooks and UMPCs, you may have heard the phrase "cloud computing" used in the news, blogs, and other websites. What does this really mean?

To start, you have to understand that the cloud refers to the Internet (it's a metaphor more than anything, but most people have a very difficult time grasping the concept of cyberspace). Next, some basics on software as a service (SaaS) and Web 2.0

Is this getting too complex? Let's make it more simple. Cloud Computing can allow a user to pick up any type of computer (netbook, notebook, tablet, UMPC, desktop, etc.) that has Internet access. Through the Internet, the user can then access specific applications and stay very productive. The computer can be just about anything. Hence, the beauty of the netbook starts to really shine. You don't have to reinstall all your software on every single device if you rely on Cloud Computing since your software lives on a cloud.

Microsoft Office Live Workspace is one such example. Google Docs is another. Have you tried working on the cloud?


  1. Do you use any PDA/phone that's sort of linked up to the "cloud"? I'm still stuck using my Palm TX, mainly because 1) I haven't found the breadth of Skyscape medical apps on the other platforms, and 2) I'm still holding out on a data plan for my phone service.

  2. If you're a Verizon Wireless customer, you may not get to hold out much longer. They are forcing customers who have newer smartphones to subscribe to a data plan. This is outrageous!

  3. Secure Collaboration Clouds with Symplified: