Posted 09/09/2009 - 9:12am by Julia M
There’s an interesting new book called Dot.Cloud: The 21st Century Business Platform that describes the implications of cloud computing to businesses. Cloud computing can be described in many ways, but a simple definition is working and storing information on the Internet itself, rather than on local networks or individual computers. For example, using services like Google documents or Zoho to create and store documents, spreadsheets and presentations is a perfect example of Cloud Computing.
As the speed of the Internet has increased over time, the web network is beginning to match the efficiency of the processor in computers. Cloud Computing is described as the next step in the evolution of the Internet as a source of services. As these electronic services become based on industry standards, a huge collection of them will live on the Internet…they will be The Cloud…with the Internet itself becoming an endless computer made up of networks of networks of computers.
For example, standalone computers with programs for word-processing will be replaced by wireless-connected computers accessing web-based word-processing systems that will allow instantaneous availability for documents anywhere an Internet connection is available. For small & medium-sized businesses, it means that they could eventually deploy IT infrastructures, platforms & software that only huge companies have been able to access in the past.
Even an individual would theoretically have access to one of the world’s largest supercomputers, without having to house, manage, power or buy it. Ultimately, this would provide a better quality of support for collaboration & customer service, at a lower cost. This book covers the best ways to take advantage of this potential for collaboration & shared information, which will replace productivity as being the major benefit of the Internet. Dot.Cloud is written by Peter Fingar & is published by Meghan-Kiffer Press.
Another manifestation of this trend is the rise of netbooks. Netbooks are (generally) smaller and less powerful than laptops. They’re designed for portability and easy access to the Internet. And with powerful new web-based services popping up, there’s no need for a faster computer with more storage space. Netbook users can surf the net and be productive at the same time.
In fact, in the second quarter of 2009, netbooks captured 22.2% of the computer market, according to a report from DisplaySearch. This is up from a 5.6% market share in the second quarter of ’08. A driving force behind this are deals from ISPs offering free or heavily subsidized netbooks to customers who commit to long-term service contracts.
To read the full "Tech Trends" from the week of 9/07/09, click here.
