By Brad Patrick, President of EPV Solutions

Cloud this and cloud that. What does this mean and why should I be thinking about it?

The cloud is having services, data and applications that are web-based and accessible from anywhere with internet access. For example, your email is a cloud-based service. Your messages are stored on the web and when you login, you can see them. Facebook is also a cloud-based service.

Cloud computing and storage has been talked about for years, but until recently we had trouble getting to it. Since most people have internet access almost anywhere and the speeds are typically very fast, it makes sense now. Having services, data and applications in the cloud, means that you don’t have to store all the data or install a bunch of applications to be able to use the services. If your computer crashes, you don’t lose a thing. It is all stored safely is some non-descript building with closely monitored environmental controls and security.

For businesses and individuals alike, you should start seeking out these “Cloud”-based services. Need the newest version of some software? Chunk down a few hundred dollars or sign-up for the cloud-based version for $20-$30/month. Nearly all software vendors are offering a cloud options or are working on one.
Soon we will not need the super-computer to be productive or impress your friends. A simple computer with limited resources and a good internet connection will be all you need.

There are numerous companies that already offer a wide range of applications, but there will be many more and they will be more complete. Companies like Salesforce, Google, Microsoft and Amazon are already big in the game, but newcomer Oracle is making a big leap. A lot of these are classified as SaaS (Software as a Service) or PaaS (Platform as a Service). With a monthly fee, you add more usability and data can easily transfer between applications. What if you used your credit card to buy gas and it automatically went to your accounting program to show where you spent your money and then also went to your tax software? This is the general idea behind these platforms and they will only get better.

Get your head in the cloud and open the door to a new level of safety, security and practical usability.