Are you working in the cloud? Most people are already using cloud computing in some shape or form and just don’t realise it. Cloud computing is the way of the future allowing companies complete control over their data while making it accessible from almost anywhere on almost any device.

The core principle is that because the data is stored on the internet, it allows any device that has internet access to request information. This also allows the data to be 100% live, allowing staff in the field to write notes and have information available to their colleagues instantly.

Google has been one of the fore runners pushing the technology with a huge amount of their systems being designed with cloud computing in mind. Websites like Gmail, Google Documents, Google wave, Google Buzz all use cloud computing allowing millions of users worldwide to access their emails, documents, calendars from all internet enabled devices.

Accessibility and control are the new kids in town and they are wiping the floor with their competition. Using Google Wave and Cloud Computing one user can post changes to a document from his computer at work, their boss can check / approve and even modify that document further from their mobile phone. The accessibility of cloud computing also eliminates the need for all the users to have the same phones, laptops or even the same operating system. Cloud based applications can be accessed from Windows, Mac, Linux, android, iPhone and the list goes on.

While Cloud computing has been flying forward the last few years there has been some downsides which until recently were major drawbacks.

For security, staff are required to log into whatever application they are wanting to use. However if the company has a large number of applications, the staff would need to login to each one separately sometimes multiple times a day. Foreseeing this as a major problem Google created the Google Marketplace which apart from bringing thousands of Cloud based applications to one place also allows all the applications to be accessed from one secure login system. This saves time when trying to switch between your accounting program to your EMP or job tracking system.

Cloud computing is also dependent on your internet connection’s bandwidth. This, unfortunately, in Australia is a problem. The advantages of cloud computing are null and voided if your internet is so slow that the process takes a small eternity.

If you think that your business could benefit from cloud computing, or you would simply like to know more, please contact The IT Department.