Cloud computing is a phrase that’s spreading wildly throughout the IT world. 

In its basic form, cloud computing is an umbrella term for web-based computing also called virtual computing.  Cloud computing makes it possible for users anywhere in the world to log onto a central system and use sophisticated software for a wide variety of tasks. Cloud computing is replacing individually owned specialty software with sophisticated products running on web-based servers.  That means users pay only for usage time; they don’t buy expensive software packages for their own machines.  In addition, computing power has moved online, with the real horsepower residing in web-based machines.  Users can tap all that capability with the most basic of laptops and mobile devices.

This change has profound implications for any organization with employees in the field.  Field reps can access the full power of complex applications from smart phones.  A Blackberry or iPhone can tap into more power than a high end desktop machine, and it can do so anywhere that there’s cell service.

The concept of cloud computing was first introduced in 1990 by Bill Gates.  During one of his speaking engagements, he held up a rudimentary cell phone and casually said, Technology will put the world’s information at our fingertips in devices like this.  That is the future.  Gates’ prediction rang with wonder around the world and nineteen years later his vision has come true.  With the advent of smart phones, laptops and wireless networks, cloud computing is now making it possible for people to connect around the world anytime anywhere.  Cloud computing is the new rage and is regarded as one of the most significant advances in computing.  An entire new industry has even risen around Apple’s model for the iPhone App Store.

Amazon is widely considered a cloud computing leader as an online bookstore and e-retailer but the company’s success is also in its deep technical expertise and data center investments.  Amazon actually runs the online “back office” for many large corporations using the same machines and technology that took them to the top in E-commerce.

Google is another super charged example with an internet search business model, and massive investment in IT infrastructure. While Google’s main focus is search capabilities they are also a leader in Software as a Service SaaS applications. A definition and understanding of SaaS is another important component of cloud computing as it allows businesses to move from packaged software to web hosted services.  SaaS is software that is rented rather than purchased and is subscription based.  An advantage to SaaS applications is they are maintained in a service provider's datacenter, so every time users launch their browsers they log in to the latest application version.  That’s a huge benefit for companies with large numbers of computers, because it eliminates the need to download software updates to all users.  Instead, the central computer is updated and it serves everyone. SaaS and cloud computing go hand in hand with Internet and Web browser-based applications running on any desktop or mobile device, no matter what the operating system.

No one can dispute the need for virtual information 24/7/365 whether you are a corporate executive, sales person, consumer, or social networking surfer.

Did you know that in addition to website development Tortus has been a proponent of cloud computing and has developed web based applications for years? We thoroughly understand why cloud computing is being touted as the most significant advancement in decades because in this day and age companies must have speed, efficiency and unified communication.  At Tortus, we practice what we teach developing custom Intranets, applications for project management, customer relationship management, and custom database solutions.  Do you have an entrepreneurial idea for an iPhone App?  We develop those too. 

Call us - because at Tortus we "We build businesses…not just websites."

The cloud just isn’t fuzzy anymore.