{"id":6846,"date":"2012-09-25T15:28:15","date_gmt":"2012-09-25T19:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geekitdown.com\/?p=6846"},"modified":"2012-09-25T15:28:15","modified_gmt":"2012-09-25T19:28:15","slug":"a-clearing-in-the-clouds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geekitdown.com\/?p=6846","title":{"rendered":"A Clearing In The Clouds"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cloud computing is confusing to most people. That’s a bold but accurate statement according to a survey conducted by Wakefield Research in August 2012. Those surveyed don’t fully understand what the cloud is, whether it involves the weather forecast and how the cloud benefits them.<\/p>\n

We’ve decided to address those points and hopefully clear some of the cloud fog. First, have a look at this infographic that describes the cloud confusion highlighted in the opening.<\/p>\n

\"Cloud<\/p>\n

Cloud Computing<\/h2>\n

The most common definition for cloud computing is provided by Wikipedia:<\/p>\n

[info] Cloud computing is the use of computing resources (hardware and software) that are delivered as a service over a network (typically the Internet). [\/info]<\/p>\n

In a nutshell cloud computing is the use of someone else’s computer hardware and software programs to accomplish your own computing tasks. A side effect of using the cloud for computing means your data is accessible from anywhere, including mobile devices.<\/p>\n

Part of the survey noted that users don’t realize they’re already using the cloud for some of their computing needs. Examples come in the form of email, Facebook and other social networking sites, online banking and video sharing at websites like YouTube and Vimeo.<\/p>\n

Those “everyday” cloud computing uses spotlight the real benefit to integrating other cloud solutions into everyday life. More than ever, users are investing in mobile devices which include smartphones, tablets and laptops. Imagine working on your resume or other document wherever you are and according to your own schedule. By using the cloud to create the document, users can start writing at home and continue in the car without ever copying the file to a new device. Not finished? Open the document at work from the cloud and later finish it at home.<\/p>\n

The cloud brings everything together in a single accessible point. It’s a convenient, time-saving way to manage your tech life and be more productive away from your computer.<\/p>\n

Cloud Computing Myths<\/span><\/h3>\n

Myth #1<\/strong> \u2013 Cloud computing is affected by or deals with the weather.<\/p>\n

Cloud computing has nothing to do with the weather. Although once you start using the cloud your day is likely to turn brighter.<\/p>\n

Myth #2<\/strong> \u2013 Cloud computing is more costly than conventional desktop computing.<\/p>\n

Not really. It’s true that costs can stack up if users aren’t diligent in choosing the proper cloud solution for their needs or over spending on an existing cloud option, but overall the cloud is cheaper in many ways especially for businesses. Additionally, through cloud management<\/a>, users can have someone choose, purchase and manage their cloud solutions.<\/p>\n

Myth #3<\/strong> \u2013 Cloud computing is unreliable.<\/p>\n

That is blatantly false. Cloud computing is reliant on one single factor, internet access. Without it, cloud services are inaccessible. Besides that, cloud services are more reliable than any one system. If a computer becomes corrupted, then that system is useless until fixed and the data on it is inaccessible until repaired. If that data were stored in the cloud, then if doesn’t matter if a computer becomes corrupted because users can simply access the data from another computer or device.<\/p>\n

Quick Cloud Advantages
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n

[list style=”tick” color=”green”]<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Access your data from anywhere and any device.<\/li>\n
  • Cost savings on new hardware, software and extraneous expenses. Higher profit.<\/li>\n
  • Many options to fit individual needs.<\/li>\n
  • There are cloud managers<\/a> who find, purchase and maintain cloud services for you. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Infographic source: Citrix.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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