Cloud computing is a online form of computing (Web 2.0 in fact) where users can access applications via a browser, while the application is installed and stored (as well as the data) on a server. This is a whole new form of computing and is allowing thousands of users from all around the world to access something without having to download and install anything on their own computers. An example of this would be Google Docs.Which is a simple form of cloud computing.
The phrase “cloud computing” originated from the cloud symbol that is usually used by flow charts and diagrams to symbolize the internet. The principle behind the cloud is that any computer connected to the internet is connected to the same pool of computing power, applications, and files. Users can store and access personal files such as music, pictures, videos, and bookmarks or play games or use productivity applications on a remote server rather than physically carrying around a storage medium such as a DVD or thumb drive. Almost all users of the internet may be using a form of cloud computing though few realize it. Those who use web-based email such as Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, a Company owned email, or even an e-mail client program such as Outlook, Evolution, Mozilla Thunderbird or Entourage are making use of cloud email servers. Hence, desktop applications which connect to cloud email would be considered cloud applications.
Lets say you are an owner of an IT firm. As your business grows you need to buy more PC ,more software application and need to purchase the software license.So,at the end of the day you are spending money for the same application as your user is increasing. Now let us imagine a scenario that where you need to buy one application for only one time. This is cloud computing. In cloud computing you just need to access the cloud server or application server through an username and password and your application will be reserved in a server PC.Additionally you will also be able to store your music,video,images and even an entire data storage in the internet. Then you do not need to buy a hard disk of 500GB or more. The storage will be the server in the internet and you will access them simply by your user name and password. Isn’t it fabulous?
1 comments :
Take a look at Microsoft’s offerings for more examples of Cloud solutions: http://smb.ms/OutreachalAWzG
Regards,
Jodi E.
Microsoft SMB Outreach Team
msftoft@microsoft.com
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