Google is at the forefront of the cloud computing concept, so if you have a Google Mail account, which is available to anyone (not just invitation-only, as it used to be), you're ready to go. Once you log in to Google Mail, you'll find links to other applications such as Docs, Calendar, Photos and Reader – all you have to do is click.
Other companies such as ThinkFree and Zoho have built online Desktop applications that operate within a browser. This means that you can simply go online and log on to have a myriad applications made available, generally using Flash or Java technology. Desktop Two and Zimdesk are further examples, and both are free to use.
The free-to-use, ad-supported model that Google offers could well serve as the template for other companies. This in turn might lead to a competitive market with lots of free applications for surfers to choose from, which can only be a good thing.
What are the advantages of cloud computing?
As well as saving you the expense of buying software to own, the real selling point is that whatever you're working on stays in the cloud. This means that by merely accessing the cloud network, you can get to your files. You're not tied to using just one PC that has the correct software installed and the right data stored on it. Instead, you have the freedom to work from almost anywhere you want. Computers running operating systems such as Mac OS and Linux can be used as well as Windows.
So, you can forget about the need to back up your work – it happens automatically. Also, if you are working on a task requiring shared input, then everyone involved in the project can access the document and make changes whenever they want to from wherever they are.
In the long term, the fact that you aren't limited to using one computer to access all your data could significantly reduce the amount you spend on both hardware and software. You don't even need to have a machine of your own, as you could use public computers in internet cafés and libraries.
Welcome to Web User magazine's online home, where you'll find
news, reviews and a buzzing forum.
For the best websites, practical advice and the latest music and film downloads every fortnight, get Web User,
the UK’s best selling internet magazine.
Instant Expert guide to... cloud computing 2
RSS Feed
Claire Woffenden, Editor
