Soaring Through the Cloud!

"The Cloud" is a phenomena that can expand upon the already expansive uses of web 2.0 technology. Various different tools allow users to post information in a virtual space in order to be able to access their files and information from any hardware device regardless of their location. The term "Cloud" has a history in the telecommunications industry but is used currently to describe the Internet. In fact "A Cloud" is mainly just a group of servers at a certain location. The information and software in the cloud is housed on those servers and users access the data over the network.

The application of the cloud to life is vast as each user may have a different way to use their "cloud". Business's may use the cloud to allow a community of users to access the information, retailers can use a cloud to allow distribution of product straight to a customer's computer, and individuals may use the cloud to ensure that they can access music, data, and calendars from any of their many devices.

The following are short descriptions of my favourite uses for "The Cloud":

en.wikipedia.org

• Amazon Whispernet: I love to read books using my Kindle2. Often lighter than a real book but easy on the eyes due to the E Ink Pearl Technology, the Kindle is a convenient and easy way to carry my library with me. Whispernet allows me to download books directly from Amazon over a 3G or wireless network to my Kindle device.  My book selections are also stored in "The Cloud" allowing me to "sync" my book selections to my Kindle, laptop, and iphone. If for any reason I deleted my books from these devices, I can retrieve them again through the cloud. The cloud also stores any notes or highlighted sections I create while reading. I can later access my book and refer to those sections I found the most interesting.

• iCloud: This is the cloud application that I like to use to keep my calendars synced across devices. My iphone, ipad, and home computer all automatically update when I add a calendar item using one of these devices. I love this feature because it ensures that I do not have partial calendars lingering on various devices (I have been known to do this in the past). The iCloud can also pushes my music, apps, and photos to all my devices wirelessly.  

• Google Cloud Connect and Google Docs:  Google Cloud Connect (GCC) is a software program that allows users to save their Microsoft Office projects to the Google Cloud to share with colleagues or to access from other locations. Colleagues working on the same document can edit and save in real time without the hassle of sending attachments back and forth. I love this about web 2.0 and the Cloud because as a student and teacher I am constantly sharing documents with my team over email. The email method almost always inevitably leads to a discussion about which draft is the most current and whether information has been lost. GCC also tracks and reports on who made the changes and shows the user where there are inconsistencies between drafts. This type of technology is invaluable in our modern age.

• Social Networking: Most social networking sites operate in the same manner as a cloud. For instance, in Facebook I do not have to download a photo viewing application but can store my photos in the cloud and use the software in the cloud to view my photos and share with friends. Another example in Facebook is the gaming platforms. It is no longer necessary to purchase gaming software at the store and install it on a device. Instead, I can access my games through "the Cloud" and pick up where I left off no matter where I am and what device I have. Software is not downloaded to my computer to play these games. 

Cloud Computing helps me in both my personal and professional life. Personally, I get the convenience of having access to the same information across a variety of devices. I also am able to connect with friends and family by sharing calendars and other important information. On a professional level "the Cloud" allows me to work anywhere without the inconvenience of having to send email attachments back and forth.