Cloud Computing Makes Sense

If you’ve checked the business forecast lately, you may have heard predictions about a fluffy phenomenon heading your way.  This misty marvel drifts into your browser with the potential to shield your business from the traditional, out-of-the-box software storm it may be caught in, and can drastically reduce cost, allow you to access information wherever an Internet connection can be found, and give your business the agility it needs to compete in today’s market.

What is this technological transformation tool you ask?  The lighter-than-air computer craze known as coud computing.

Over the past few years, cloud computing has accumulated major interest among businesses and Internet technology patrons alike.

What does cloud computing actually mean?

According to InfoWorld, the “cloud” in cloud computing essentially serves as a representation for the Internet.  The computing aspect of the puzzling phrase encompasses different areas which fall into a trio of service categories: Software as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Infrastructure as a Service.

Software as a Service, or SaaS, is an easily deployable software program offered over the Internet.  The SaaS model allows a business or a user to subscribe to cloud-based software and to work within the software while on the cloud.  SaaS eliminates the need to consistently update and maintain software, as well as provides rapid deployment and lower tech support costs.

Platform as a Service, or PaaS, is an extension of the SaaS model, and gives a business the means to customize multiple applications which drive a business.  Platform as a Service offers real-time collaboration, easy deployment, and customizable user-interfaces.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Infrastructure as a Service model of cloud computing, or IaaS for short.  Pushing software applications aside, IaaS service providers give businesses access to data centers, computer hardware, and server hosting capabilities.  By taking advantage of the IaaS model, start-up companies, as well as enterprises can keep their overhead costs to a minimum.

But will cloud computing continue to hover over our computer or begin to float on into the land of lost technology?

I believe cloud computing is here to stay.  Cloud computing is granting small to medium sized businesses access to the technological resources they need to compete with the big boys; therefore sparking some much needed innovation, likely making corporations sweat.

By having the same access to data centers, server farms, and software platforms, cloud computing is helping to create a fair playing field.

So be sure to check the forecast later in the year, because the phenomenon known as cloud computing is predicted to be hot, with a 100% chance of collaboration.