Cloud Computing

If you follow technology trends you have probably heard how “cloud computing” is going to take over the world. Cloud computing is an exciting concept that is changing the computer industry, but because it has been with us so long and in so many forms it is difficult to differentiate from what we are already doing and how it might truly change systems already in place.

The most basic definition of cloud computing is a system where applications run outside of your local infrastructure. For those who want to take a trip in the way back machine, the concept brings a label of “new” to a return to the terminal / mainframe models that existed in the 1970’s, however this time the mainframe is a server living on the internet. The definitions start to blur a little when we talk about a server that a company owns themselves and makes available at a hosting facility versus a server cluster that is owned by a third-party.

Regardless of the definition we are using, cloud computing was around long before the internet. In the early eighties there were software applications and messaging systems running on computer bulletin board systems, so hosting data on a cloud is a concept core to computing for decades. However, what used to be limited to messaging and relatively simple applications have gone far beyond that today. Now we have hosted phone services with VOIP devices that connect to a server appliance over TCP/IP, either internally or at a third party facility. From a consumer perspective nearly everyone with a personal computer has a cloud-based email, calendaring and contact application (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail) that they use regularly. There are hosted versions of major applications like Word and Excel such as Google Apps and Microsoft Live that have freed individuals from having to install nearly anything on whatever device they use at home. Heck, there are even cloud based versions of Photoshop and Movie Maker, though few people actually use them. And yes, there are cloud business applications such as Customer Relationship Management software, agency management systems, or even help desk management.

From a consumer stand-point, cloud applications have already invaded our day to day lives. Devices like the iPad are examples of how a computer with nothing more than a screen and a web browser can give nearly all of the functionality of a personal computer by simply having a web browser. Interestingly, even in the iPad example there is the option of installing local applications because sometimes having a local app is better than something on a web site. One of the primary motivators for running a local piece of software rather than an application in the cloud is based on some of the inherent limitations to what can be done today. While you could play a game, edit a photo and manage songs by letting them live on a distant server farm the experience is slow and missing significant features from an application on your local device. Even though cloud software has been around for decades and there are devices that seem to be centered on cloud computing, even on these systems we continue to use local programs for core day to day applications.

Cloud hosted data has long since invaded the business world as well and with an equal mix of success and failure. Nearly every company out there uses a cloud based spam / virus filtering software. Most companies support access to cloud based text messaging services. Many companies allow their staff access to applications like LinkedIn and Twitter, which are cloud based communication and networking systems. However, these systems are successful because they hit on the core benefits of letting data live on the internet:

• Fewer staff needed to maintain the product.
• Excellent off-site support.
• Do not need to maintain internal servers for application.
• Guaranteed up-time of the product.
• Outstanding choice for apps that depend on internet connectivity.

Unfortunately, depending on the need, the disadvantages can often outweigh these benefits:

• Products run slower than internally hosted software.
• Due to internet connectivity, they are usually unavailable more often.
• Less capable at extending capabilities to internal programs or customization.
• Key business application software licenses are often more costly.
• Not an ideal choice if security is a concern.

Any upcoming project, whether it is evaluating your Microsoft Office licenses, considering a new phone system, or looking at various agency management systems will include considering options that live on a fluffy white thing in the sky. The key is to really dig deep and talk to companies that have tried versions both on Earth and in the air to see what the real-world differences are. We always speak with the staff that use the application on a day to day basis as well as the corporate decisions makers and get their sense of the differences. No matter where data is hosted we just try to keep our eyes open to all of the available options and match it against corporate needs. In other words, the terminology might be new but cloud computing options are just like any other technology decision.

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