In 2011, Apple, Inc.
introduced iCloud as an upgraded feature for their iOS-based devices[1].
Apple users were then introduced to the idea
of storing data that would back up the device on all devices owned by the user.
Thus, Cloud computing went mainstream and became and a household word. However,
Cloud computing is used by businesses, not just individuals, and it’s used for
far more than just transferring MP3 files. Eric Griffith discussed ‘the cloud’
in an article for PCMAG.com, claiming that “the
cloud is just a metaphor for the internet”[2].
But what does the cloud do? And what
does it mean for the future of technology and businesses? What does it mean the
average Joe?
Cloud computing, in its simplest
terms, refers to the process of simultaneously synchronizing allowing you to
access this information from any device you are currently logged on to. Apple’s
iCloud works in such a way that any information processed and saved on a
device, such as the iPhone, automatically synchronizes with your data stored
other places. For example, with iCloud, the iPhone has the possibility to
synchronize your email. Any emails you check, delete, or send from your iPhone
will automatically be mirrored when you log into your account from your desktop
PC or Mac. If you deleted a message on your iPhone, it is deleted on the internet.
This is due to cloud computing.
However, cloud computing for
businesses is much different. Mostly, businesses use cloud computing for
software within its own employees. This process is known as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)[3].
Forbes magazine explains that this names this “software as the great equalizer”[4]. Simply,
Saas takes software and makes it
available to other businesses, perhaps ones on a smaller scale[5].
This is revolutionary. With the availability of new software readily accessible
through the internet via cloud computing, small businesses are able to expand
and grow on concept already in existence in order to create new technology that
suits their growing needs. Forbes uses a prime example of Starbucks. The
Seattle based coffee company created a mobile app that “cost millions and took a long time to develop”[6].
However, once Starbucks created this app, smaller coffee shops were able to
use the same software to create a similar app for their own business, without
the millions of dollars and time it took to develop.
Cloud computing has been extremely
important in the advancement of technology for both individuals and businesses.
For individuals, cloud computing can increase peace of mind within the user,
ultimately creating fluidity within one’s life. Working on one device without
having to do extensive back up work and having all of your devices in symbiosis
is important in moving forward. One user having multiple devices are now the
norm, and no doubt a trend that is not about to dissipate in the near future.
Therefore, the fluidity of devices working together is important for those
working with multiple devices. I believe
that this advancement allows business to have a higher degree of camaraderie
and fairness in all markets across the board. Allowing your business to share
in software advancements such as apps allows for a better market for small
businesses as well. In turn, our economy is able to thrive when more businesses
are capitalizing from shared advancements.
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