Cloud computing, as per definition laid down by National Institute of Standards and Technology, is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

In simple terms, cloud computing is just a massively distributed Internet based computing model that allows users to share information and access applications, without installing them from anywhere in the world, provided the user has a computer and an Internet connection.

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Advantages

One of the many advantages of cloud computing is that it spares local machines from forfeiting its resources and space to beefy applications and software. As you step into the world of cloud computing, you will find that the cloud, which has a network of computers, is designed to tolerate and accommodate heavy loaded applications.

Thus cloud computing saves your money that you would, otherwise, have been spending on

1. Buying expensive software and applications
2. Employing resources to manage and run those applications and software
3. Managing your time and effort in running an additional task or business activity

You can redeploy all these money, resources, and effort, that you save, to further streamlining and improving your core business activities.

Another advantage of cloud computing is that it assures 24/7 access to your data. Also, as these cloud servers are usually maintained in at least two different synchronized locations, your data is well protected from natural calamities.

Cloud Services

The best examples of cloud services are Google Docs and Microsoft Office Live.  Another example of cloud computing that we use on a daily basis is the mail service like Yahoo Mail, Gmail, Hotmail, etc. You don’t have the server or email management software required to run them but they are in the cloud and the service provider manages them. You just access the services with your internet connection. How convenient, right?

Today, there are a many cloud applications available in the market and they serve different needs of customers. Evernote, iCloud, Spotify, CloudApp, Waze, Box.net, Joukuu, Do.com., etc are few among them.
Amazon, Google, Rackspace, VMware, Microsoft etc are some of the top cloud computing service providers. You may get in touch with us to know more on Amazon Web Services(AWS).

Cloud Concerns

Though cloud computing is all set to establish itself as an ultimate solution for many existing business concerns, some geeks believe that the cloud still suffers privacy and security issues.

As everything is located outside the LAN, the concept of building a secure fortress no longer applies with the cloud! Also, it is practically impossible to draw a visible boundary lines inside the cloud.

The authentication and authorization processes are complex in cloud computing. Where should the corporates build their security? Is it in the cloud or for the cloud or from the cloud? – geeks ask!

Addressing the concerns

Cloud service providers, themselves, are more concerned about the privacy and security of the cloud than anybody else as these directly impact their business. Obviously, customers wouldn’t opt for a service which is not safe and secure and they know this very well. For the same reason, they work relentlessly to provide superior services to their customers.

Besides, strong authentication and access controls further enhances the  cloud security. Users also have the option to improve their cloud security by applying stringent registration and validation processes and also by performing more deliberate monitoring and coordination throughout the computing platform.

Looking Forward

The benefits of cloud computing far outweigh its concerns because of its sheer effectiveness. It can streamline your business and break down the complexity of your business problems. Cloud computing also saves you from the headaches and costs of running and managing complex servers and storage, technical teams to keep them running, and upgrades to your software. Thus cloud computing positions itself as a cost effective, reliable, and scalable solution for many of the business concerns.

Get in touch with our expert team to know more about our cloud services and the benefits we could offer to your business.

Google Apps provides many services. Among them the most widely used and appreciated tools include

• GMail: Run your business, not your server
• Google Docs: Manage meetings online with Google calendar
• Google Calendar: Online docs with real time collaboration
• Google Sites: Create dynamic web pages in an easy way as creating a document
• Google Talk: Make calls and get your chat on
• Google Videos: Google hosted video. Saves you time and money

These itself could support the various levels of communication in an organization in a more simpler and more effective way. Adding cherry to the cake is the price. These Google App engine tools come at affordable prices and that too in different editions.

1. Premium edition ($50 per user per year)
2. Education/Non-profit edition (comes free to a limited number of users)
3. Standard edition (comes free to individual users)

You can compare the different editions:

1. Standard Vs Premium
2. Education/Non-profit Vs Premium

You can visit these links to get more information about Google Apps

http://www.google.com/apps/

http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/index.html#utm_medium=et&utm_source=catch_all

Gmail users can easily import all their emails and contacts from Hotmail, Yahoo, or AOL accounts. All a user needs to do is enter his Webmail account details (user name and password) into Google’s service and over the next 24 to 48 hours, all his emails and contacts will be automatically imported to his Gmail account.

Google now also lets you test drive Gmail. The company offers a 30-day test-drive mode for users to decide whether they like Gmail or not. The feature, presently available to new users, is likely to be extended to current users soon.

Google has also added a search widget in Gmail, which enables users to search the web without opening a new browser.

The new feature shows a search box onto the left side of Gmail inbox. When a user types in a search, a window (like a chat window) appears at the bottom of the screen with search results.

These are some of the new features that Google has added in its Gmail service. To know more about the latest features in Gmail, just visit Google Labs where a whole lot of gadgets and features await you.