The Cloud: Blog 7 (Clear)

I have to say it's rather fascinating how computing has evolved in the past 40 years.  How did we go from a computer taking up an entire room, to being able to communicate and access information in our hands.  I found this week's set of lectures to be extremely entertaining and awarding.  I think that cloud computing is the best way to improve the economy.  Not only can small businesses begin competing with larger corporations, it just simply puts a little more power into the people of youth.

Google and Gmail has been a substantial part of my learning and managing time.  Without the use of "Google Docs" I would have to constantly go back to writing e-mails with group members and edit large research reports.  With the development of cloud computing, I can now do this important communication at my own time, allowing me more time to accomplish other tasks.

I think it's really important that we the people of today's society, not forget to communicate face-to-face, but it's also important to utilize today's technology to the fullest extent.  My favorite part of this weeks lectures was when we focused on Platforms as a service, Desktops as a service, and Software as a service.  I think it's important that you notice that Saas is beneficial because you can everything at your fingertips with a monthly purchase.  One of the most annoying things about previous software, in my opinion, were the constant updates.  I hated having to get expansion packs or buy another $50 software, for a simple update.  I also liked how every 10 years, we have a substantial increase in computer technology.  As Professor Olson stated in his lecture, every 10 years there has been a computing cycle that requires a new platform.


o   1960’s--- mainframe computing
o   1970’s---mini computing
o   1980’s—client/server computing
o   1990’s—Desktop Cloud computing
o   2000’s—mobile cloud computing
o   2010’s—social revolution…based on the cloud! (Post PC Era)


I also really enjoyed how small 27-person companies are making a difference in the way they compete in the market by using cloud-based technology.  I really want to explore more options in improving a companies branding and I think that having great, easy-to-use software for you customers is extremely beneficial, considering most people in today's society are beginning to migrate to that type of communication and interface.  


This was also a really cool cloud-based software that I found interesting and made me understand cloud computing a little better.  Let me know what you think!